Karen Fannin

Mrs. Karen Leigh Simmons Fannin, age 57, of Roanoke, Virginia, passed away suddenly at her home Monday, April 6, 2009. She was born in Richlands, Virginia and was the daughter of Nancy Ringstaff Simmons of High Point, North Carolina and the late Joe Casey Simmons. She had made her home in the Tazewell and Richlands area for most of her life and was insurance agent for over 30 years. She was a member of the First Christian Church in Richlands, Virginia. She was a graduate of Richlands High School Class of 1970. Survivors, in addition to her mother, are: Her loving husband of 26 years: Omer E. Fannin of Roanoke, VA Son and Daughter in Law: Luke Fannin and wife, Rebecca of Falls Church, VA Her beloved sisters: Rhonda Jo Jarrett and her husband Robert of Roanoke, VA, Donna Sue VanMeter and husband Dan of Wellsburg, Ohio, Kimberly Ann Reich and husband John of Atlantic Beach, FL, sisters-in-law Susan Brown and husband Denny of Siloam Springs, AR, Theresa Loffler and husband Joe of Punta Gorda, FL., brothers-in-law Charles M. Fannin and wife Rita of South Portsmouth, KY, Cloice Fannin of New York, NY, and Patrick Fannin of Ohio. Her favorite people on earth are her niece, Amy Beth O’Keeffe and her husband Michael of High Point NC, nephew Robert Casey Coleman and wife Leslie of Roanoke, VA., nephew Logan Fitzgerald and wife Karla of Silver Spring, MD, and nephew Andy Gooliak of Chicago, Il. Her great niece, who always melted her heart, Margaret Casey O’Keeffe of High Point, NC, and many other loved nieces, nephews and friends also survive. Karen was the most caring, loving, generous person to all she knew. She loved her family more than anyone could put into words. She loved music and she loved to dance. There is no doubt she is on heaven’s beaches “Shaggin’” in the sand. She was her husband’s tiny dancer and he will love her forever. Funeral services for Karen Leigh Simmons Fannin will be conducted Friday, April 10, 2009 at 2:00pm at the Hurst-Scott Funeral Chapel in Richlands, Virginia with the Rev. Stafford Compton officiating. Interment will follow. Friends may call Thursday evening from 6pm to 9pm at the Hurst-Scott Funeral Home in Richlands, Virginia.

Karen Fannin

March 22, 1952 - April 6, 2009