Karen Louise Stone

Karen Beans Stone, 70, of St. Simons Island, Ga. passed away Tuesday, Nov 17, 2020 after a stay at Brunswick's SE Hospital and a difficult period with RA inflammation that progressed into lung disease. She fought valiantly for 77 days.

Karen was born in 1950 in New Philadelphia, Ohio to the late George and Ruby Beans. Survivors include her husband, David Stone who considered her the absolute love of his life for these past 50 years. She will be remembered for her enthusiasm of life, her beautiful blue eyes and smile for absolutely everyone she ever met. She leaves a brother, Ron (Cindy) Beans of Dover, Ohio, nephew and niece, Adam (Amber) Beans, and Erin Beans, as well as David's sister, Marti (Ray) Nist of Canton, Ohio, and his brother, Tim Stone (Carla) of Zoarville, Ohio. There are many loving cousins, aunts, uncles, and Stone side nephews and nieces.

Karen was a graduate of Indian Valley North HS, Kent State University with a degree in History and Library Science and had her masters in Library Science from Mt St Josephs. She was Media Specialist at Alliance HS for 13 years, in Alliance, Ohio, 13 years at Smithville HS in Smithville, Ohio and after moving to St. Simons Island, Ga, 10 years at Jane Macon Middle School where she retired in 2008.

Karen was a voracious, speed reader and member of the Literary Guild, a member of the Golden Isles Track Club where she served as VP, was the 15 year Chairperson of the Sunshine Festival 5K where she increased participation from around 145 runners to nearly 1100 runners, walkers and One Milers. She delighted in helping local High Schools runners with uniforms and scholarships as well as other organizations such as Girls on the Run, The Land Trust, and Sparrow's Nest. Always a generous party giver she delighted in having a near annual St Patrick's Day party. With Dave they traveled to Europe multiple times, all on self planned trips from Frommers Travel Guide and Lonely Planet, all keeping their rule of one country-one month. They hosted exchange students from Brazil, Spain and Germany and visited all. Their travels included Australia, S. America, four trips to Mexico including the seldom driven 900 mile long Mexican Riviera and a train trip across the Copper Canyon.

The family regrets these Covid conditions and plans to have a gathering of friends at St. Simons Island's Palm Coasts' Courtyard at a later date when all will be welcomed. Karen was truly a remarkable human being. She added only peace and love to this earth and was a giver not a taker. She will be with us all in spirit forever.

Edo Miller, of Brunswick, Ga. is in charge of cremation and Karen's ashes will be spread at the historic Zoar Cemetery in Zoar, Ohio, home of the longest lasting Commune in American history.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Habitat for Humanity 322 W. Lamar St. , Americus, GA 31709.