Karen France

Karen France, 69, of Palestine, IL, passed away on October 5, 2024, at Select Specialty Hospital in Evansville, IN. Born on August 7, 1955, in Lawrenceville, IL, to John & Lois (Hesher) Johnson, Karen lived a life marked by strength, humor, and a bit of orneriness that always kept her loved ones on their toes. She was a source of both joy and love for her family, her quick wit and playful spirit never failing to bring a smile to their faces.

A graduate of Casey High School, Karen earned her associate degree in nursing from Lincoln Trail College. She went on to dedicate herself to a career in healthcare as an LPN, working in several local nursing homes. Known for her unwavering determination and compassion, Karen provided not just care but also comfort to her patients, leaving a lasting impact on the many lives she touched.

Outside of work, Karen had a gift for creating beauty. She was a skilled quilter, crafting heirlooms for her family, and an avid gardener whose flower beds and vegetable gardens reflected her love of nature. Karen also found joy in life's simpler pleasures-whether it was watching reality TV and dramas, solving crossword puzzles, or playing a competitive game of Canasta with her loved ones. A devoted fan of musicals, The Phantom of the Opera held a special place in her heart, and taking her children to see it on Broadway was one of the fondest memories of her life.

Though Karen is no longer with us, her laughter, love, and unshakable strength will continue to uplift and inspire everyone whose lives she touched. Like a cherished melody that lingers even after the music has ended, her presence will remain alive in our hearts.

Karen's memory will live on in her daughters, Michelle & husband Brandon "Kenzo" McKenzie of Shelbyville, IL, Sara & husband Steven Loomis of Robinson, IL, and Patricia Dennis of Palestine, IL; her beloved grandsons, Chase Dunlap and Anthony Dennis; and her siblings, Fredda & Grover Brimberry, Marta Ledbetter, Kelly Johnson, Kathy & Robert Eveland, and William R "Bill" Nethery, as well as several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, John Johnson & Lois Hesher Johnson Nethery, her step-father William "Bill" Nethery Sr, and her daughter Kimberly Ann France. She was also preceded in death by her siblings Monte Johnson, Mila Walton, Kerry "George" Johnson, and Clinton "Butch" Johnson, her brother-in-law Kenneth Ledbetter and sisters-in-law Jane Johnson, Cathy Johnson, and Vicki Johnson.

A time of visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 10th at Goodwine Funeral Home in Robinson, with a celebration of life to follow at 6:00 p.m., officiated by Celebrant Curt Goodwine. Memorial contributions may be made to the "American Cancer Society" or to Karen's memorial fund, with checks payable to "Goodwine Funeral Homes." Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.