Karla's life painted a picture of wonderfully successful moments and fabulous demonstrations of her fighting spirit. A year ago, she was on life support, and the doctors had little to no hope that she would survive. But in her usual fashion, she defied the odds. The last year was nothing short of a miracle and a gift from God. She spent this last year growing in her relationship with God and surrounded by her beloved family, friends, and church family.
Born on January 4, 1957, Karla's story begins as the youngest of four siblings. She was a daddy's girl through and through, and she was always known as the "fun one." She had the best sense of humor and was sure to be the life of every party, and it would be no surprise to find her making those in Heaven smile and laugh right now.
But don't let Karla's fun side fool you. As Karla grew older, it became apparent that she was highly intellectual and very smart with money. In 1975, Karla graduated from Westlake High School with top honors as valedictorian. She represented Westlake High well as the head cheerleader and homecoming queen. Everyone loved Karla and her winning personality.
After graduating from Westlake High School, Karla went on to earn her bachelor's in Biology from McNeese State University in 1980. She worked in the laboratory for her entire career, spending a number of those years specializing in microbiology, where they diagnose microorganisms of specific infectious diseases.
Karla was preceded in death by her husband, Mike Brown; her parents, William and Maxine Walsh; her two brothers, Robert and Michael Walsh; her niece, Melissa Cannon; and many fur babies that she loved like her own children. She is survived by her sister Cheryl White and husband William; three stepsons, including Jeremy Brown and wife Serina, Jacob Brown and wife Ashley, and Jonathan Brown; seven grandchildren; four great grandchildren; three cousins, Kim Culotta Stewart, Beverly Shaffer, and Karen Lee Stubbs; her three nieces, including Julie Young and her husband Tracy, Melinda Szumanski and her husband Timothy, and Amanda Walsh; and six great-nephews, including Taylor Young and wife Calen, Payton Young and wife Brooke, David Young, Dylan Szumanski, Colyn Szumanski, and Ethan Szumanski.
The family will welcome the public for visitation Friday, January 5, 2024 at Hixson Funeral Home of Westlake from 11am until time of funeral service at 2pm. Interment will follow at Westlake Memorial Park Cemetery.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be expressed at www.hixsonfuneralhomes.com for the Brown family
