Karen Denise Sullivan

We are most grateful for the life of our beloved Karen Denise Sullivan. We will always love her and praise God for her beautiful, nurturing, and generous spirit, which touched so very many. She was called to rest from her illness on Thursday, May 22, 2003 at 2:08 p.m.Karen was born March 30, 1955 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to Alberta Kelley and the late Rev. Calvin B. Kelley. As the eldest of four sisters, she set a mark of excellence in whatever challenge set before her. To say that she was everything to her family is not enough. Educated in the Philadelphia Parochial School System, Karen was awarded with First Honors from St. Maria Goretti High School. She continued to excel academically and in 1978 graduated Suma Cum Lade from Lincoln University, where she became a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Zeta Omega Chapter. On October 7, 1978, Karen was united in Holy Matrimony to her college sweetheart Tully Keith Sullivan, and then began residing in Baltimore, Maryland. As she instantly became an integral part of the Sullivan-Cooper family tree, her life was enhanced with loving in-laws, aunts, uncles, cousins, and even more friends. Karen came to be as endeared to them as she was to her family in Philadelphia. Their marriage union was blessed with three children, Jasmine and twins Heather and Tully. Affectionately known as T.C., her son Tully predeceased her in 2001. Karen faced a mother’s sorrow with strength, dignity and extraordinary grace. Only those closest to her knew that her heart was forever broken.As a personal staffing specialist, Karen was a Federal Government employee for more than twenty-five years. Her invaluable dedication was recognized with numerous awards of service and merit. At Immaculate Conception Church, she demonstrated and served her faith well by being a C.C.D. teacher.Karen was the finest example of a daughter, sister, wife, aunt, and the most dedicated mother; she was everyone’s resource for help or advice. Every birthday, holiday, milestone, or time of need she was always there, showing love and support. Her home was constantly the gathering place for her family and f friends. Her nephews, nieces, children’s friends, and teammates were always welcome. Karen was the kind of cook that knew the real meaning of “soul-food” and she could pull together a meal, “just like her mother and Aunt Ovinia” taught her.She leaves to cherish her spirit: her husband, Tully; their daughters, jasmine and Heather; her devoted mother, Alberta Kelley; her in-laws, Tully and charlotte Sullivan; her sisters, Maria Kelley, Mary Gilstrop, and Kim Fuller; four brothers-in-law, three sisters-in-law; a most supportive friend, Danita Wilkinson; along with a host of nieces, nephews, extended family and so many friends.Karen will be truly missed, but her presence will always be felt. We pray that God will grant eternal peace to her soul and may His perpetual light shine upon her memory.

Tributes

Karen Denise Sullivan

March 30, 1955 - May 22, 2003