Karen Linette Joseph, 62, of Portsmouth passed away Wednesday, January 13, 2021, at the SOMC Hospice Center. She was born November 9, 1958, in Portsmouth, a daughter of the late Roy Lee and Ida Louise James Joseph.
Karen graduated from Vern Riffe School (formerly Happy Hearts) in 1981 and was employed by Star Workshop on the break lines until her retirement in 2000. Karen was active in basketball, bowling, and choir. She also competed in Special Olympics, winning numerous medals. She enjoyed being escorted to school dances by her “Bubba Boyfriend”, Rob Evans. Her favorite hobby was coloring and her family members kept her fully stocked with coloring books and crayons.
Karen is survived by siblings Nancy Rigsby of Portsmouth, Roy L. (Linda) Joseph II of St. Joseph, MO, and Cynthia “Buffy” Southern of Portsmouth; and several nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.
Karen is preceded in death by her parents, Roy & Ida Joseph; and “special friend”, Charles Henry.
Private funeral services will be held under the direction of the Ralph F. Scott Funeral Home in Portsmouth.
Karen was a very gentle and loving person. Because she brought sunshine to everyone’s life, anyone who spent time with Karen left her presence feeling loved. She will be immensely missed by all of her family, leaving a tremendous void.
