Karen Smith Brummitt

d. October 14, 2020

HAMPSTEAD-It is with broken hearts that we announce the passing of Karen Lynette Smith Brummitt, age 57, of Henderson, North Carolina on October 14, 2020. She was born in Henderson on January 24, 1963 to Faith V. Smith and James "Pop" Smith. She died at her home in Pender County, in the loving arms of her family. Karen overcame a rare blood disorder she had battled for 15 years. Her strength and perseverance amazed everyone who knew her.

Karen graduated from Northern Vance High School in 1981. She was an avid athlete and played softball and volleyball in church and recreational leagues. Karen began her career at Southern Quilters. Through her hard work and dedication, she earned a promotion to Assistant Plant Manager for Pacific Coast Feather Company. She worked at the companies for 25 years.

Karen was dedicated to her community, friends, and family. She was a member of Cokesbury United Methodist Church, where she served as the director of the food pantry for many years. She also served as the Head Coach of the Women's Varsity Volleyball Team at Kerr-Vance Academy and enjoyed coaching Junior Olympics volleyball.

Karen was a rock for her daughter through many difficult years and was proud to watch her graduate with a PhD from Duke University. She loved watching Duke basketball with Jamie and Andrew. She enjoyed reading biographies, murder mysteries, and ghost stories. She inherited her love of quilting from her mother Faith. Karen never turned away a person in need of her help and gave generously to her church, family, and community.

Karen is survived by her loving daughter Dr. Jamie L. Brummitt and son-in-law Dr. Andrew T. Coates; mother Faith V. Smith and friend Travis R. Whitley; sister Donna S. Bradsher, brother-in-law Stoney L. Bradsher, and niece Lori N. Bradsher. She was predeceased by her father, James "Pop" Smith.

A private graveside service will be held by the Rev. Tracy Sexton at Cokesbury United Methodist Church in Henderson, North Carolina. Instead of receiving visitors, the family kindly asks for phone calls of love and support to be directed to Faith Smith and Jamie Brummitt. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in memory of Karen to the Cokesbury United Methodist Church Cemetery Fund (https://cokesburymethodist.org/give, 1705 Allison Cooper Road, Henderson, NC 27537) or the Duke Cancer Institute (http://www.dukecancerinstitute.org/give).

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Karen Smith Brummitt, please visit our flower store.

Send a Card

Karen Smith Brummitt

d. October 14, 2020

Guestbook