Karen L. Burke

Karen was fittingly born on Veterans Day, the 11th of November 1956, at Eglin Air Force Base in Fort Walton, Florida, where her father was stationed. Karen was the daughter of Norma Jean (Johnson) of Mississippi and Robert Joel Jasken of North Carolina and Montana.

Karen and her family lived in Jackson and McComb, Mississippi, until 1969 when she moved to the Houston area. Karen attended Aldine High School and later Eisenhower High School where she became captain of the drill team her senior year. Karen trained and worked as a dental hygienist early in her career but soon found her true passion in interior design.

First and foremost, Karen was devoted to her children. She was a loving and most generous mother who worked steadfastly and energetically at everything she did, especially for her children. She played an important role in all of Taylor and Ashley’s activities from sports to Sunday School. Karen continued to be a hands-on parent as her children moved into adulthood supporting them in their education, careers and interests.

As an entrepreneur, Karen had a long and fulfilling career running a successful interior design business, working with clients throughout Houston and across the country. Karen was involved in many organizations – her church, her neighborhood and various causes that filled her soul. There was not a problem she could not solve, not a venue she could not elegantly decorate, not a party that would not be the toast of the town. A gifted hostess and designer, she spread joy and elegance throughout her life and to everyone and everything she encountered.

Karen had a vivacious personality, filled with determination, energy and enthusiasm. Until the day she passed, Karen could work all day then get dressed to the nines and go out for an evening of fun. Karen had impeccable style and grace; she was beautiful inside and out.

She had friends from all walks of life and always treated everyone with care, generosity and kindness. Karen was warm, cheerful and understanding. She would work tirelessly for everyone in her life from taking friends and family to doctor’s appointments, to cheering them up when they were down or helping them get organized. Karen’s laugh was infectious and was the medicine she applied to all she loved.

Karen’s impact on family, friends and the community will never be forgotten, and she will be truly missed. Her mark on this life is indelibly made and we are all better for knowing her. If you were lucky enough to be loved by Karen, you knew it without reservation and without doubt. Heaven will be a more beautiful place, literally, now that Karen has arrived.

She is preceded in death by both parents and Johnny Burke, stepfather to her two children. She is survived by her son, Taylor Andrew Gibson; her daughter, Ashley Gibson Partridge and her husband Chris; and her beloved Yorkies, Lady and Sissy. She is also survived by her twin sister, Victoria Jasken Jenkins and her husband Paul; her brother, Robert Jasken and his wife Mischelle; and her brother, David Jasken and his wife Judy; along with many nieces, nephews, and extended cherished family and friends.

A celebration honoring Karen’s life is to be conducted at eleven o’clock in the morning on Saturday, the 29th of January, in the Jasek Chapel of Geo. H. Lewis & Sons, 1010 Bering Drive in Houston.

Immediately following, all are invited to greet the family during a reception in the adjacent grand foyer.

In lieu of customary remembrances, donations in Karen’s honor may be directed to Special Pals Rescue Resource Center, 3830 Greenhouse Road, Houston, Texas 77084. Please mark In Memory of Karen Burke in the memo so the family may kindly thank you for your donation.