Karen Bedell

She was born in Houston, TX on September 24, 1948 to the late Johnson Taylor and Helen Smith. Karen graduated from Rice University with a degree in Economics and then the University of Texas School of Law with a Juris Doctor. Following graduation from the University of Texas, Karen became the first female attorney to work for the Travis County Attorney’s office. She then moved to Dallas where she went to work for the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and then the law firm of Shank Irwin where she practiced oil and gas law as a partner. After working for several years at Shank Irwin, Karen worked in house for Hunt Petroleum. Karen was an active member of Highland Park Presbyterian Church and Brookhollow Golf Club. She greatly enjoyed volunteering for many years in the Sunday school at church and later the handbell choir. Karen loved playing tennis and bridge at Brookhollow and was a beloved member of her tennis team and bridge group. She treasured her role as “Nana” to her grandchildren and loved taking many tennis trips over the years with her husband and daughter. Everyone that knew Karen would agree that when she was your friend she was your friend for life.

Karen is preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by her husband, George, daughter Amy Redleaf and husband Benjamin, brother, Michael Smith and wife Ann, niece Rachel Smith, and three grandchildren, George, Charlotte, and Henry.

Donations may be made to the Peter O’Donnell Jr. Brain Institute at UT Southwestern Medical Center.

A private service has been held at Highland Park Presbyterian Church.