Karen Jeanette Booth Jenkins of Virginia Beach, passed away March 12, 2023 surrounded by the love of her family and friends at Virginia Beach General Hospital. She was 55. Karen was born on February 9, 1968 and was a native of Amherst, Va.
She was predeceased by her father, Harry Booth Sr.; mother, Beatrice McDaniel Booth; and an infant son she named Michael.
Left to cherish her memory, Michael Franklin Jenkins Sr. – her husband of nearly 18 years. Her children: Chelsea Nicole Spivey and partner Jesse Bohn; and son Michael Franklin Jenkins Jr. and partner Briana Peregrina. All of Virginia Beach.
As “Grammy,” she is survived by her four grandchildren: Amiah, Caden, Kai and Lyla. Her siblings: Harry Booth Jr., Troy Booth and Raven Burr. And the countless loved ones that are left to cherish her memory.
As a veteran, Karen served in the United States Army for eight years. She was employed by MAP Communications in Chesapeake, where she met her husband in 1999. The following year, dressed in matching orange formal attire, the couple was named Mr. and Ms. SmartBeep at the company’s gala.
In 2007, she began working for LifeNet Health in Virginia Beach, where she was employed until her passing.
As an organ donor, she was able to give the gift of sight to two United States veterans. Through LifeNet, she was also able to donate skin tissue.
Karen’s cancer battle was met with resilience, strength, and her faith in God. In her 11 years of fighting colon cancer, she often provided encouragement and guidance to people battling their own cancers. Early on, she adopted the motto “No one fights alone.”
For years, she and her husband participated in American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life held annually in Chesapeake. As well as, LifeNet’s Share the Love run/walk events out of Virginia Beach.
In 2011, during a business trip to Texas, she had the opportunity to stand on the football field of her favorite team the Dallas Cowboys.
Karen went by many endearing names such as Kay Kay and Care Bear. She collected crosses which she displayed on the walls of her home. They brought her comfort. She loved the color purple. And if family and friends see a butterfly fluttering in the sky, just know that it’s a caring message from her.
A Celebration of Karen’s Life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, March 31, 2023 at Rosewood Kellum Funeral Home 601 N Witchduck Rd Virginia Beach, VA 23462. A second service will take place in Amherst, VA at a later date for friends and family.
In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be offered in Karen’s name to the American Cancer Society. https://donate.cancer.org/
