Birth date: Sep 25, 1941 Death date: May 23, 2020
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
Karen Jean Brett, age 78, of Beech Mountain passed away on Saturday, May 23, 2020 at her residence. She was born on September 25, 1941 in Hamlet County, North Carolina to the late Irene Hardeman and Herbert Brannen. In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her brother, Jonathan Brannen. Karen was a member of the Banner Elk Christian Fellowship (B.E.C.F.) church where she was a Sunday school teacher and greeter. She was an amazing wife, mother and grandmother. Karen was a very giving person and received awards for Teacher of the Year and the Governor’s award for her volunteer work, and enjoyed reading to children, playing Mrs. Santa Clause and spending time with her family. Karen’s hobbies included playing golf, Zumba, dancing, doing artwork and working as an usher for lees McRae College plays and served as a docent for the Banner House Museum. She resided in the Beech Mountain community for 26 years and was well-known for connecting folks through hosting her many parties. She will truly be missed by her family, church and friends. Karen was a Savannah, Georgia city girl who somehow met and loved an ole country boy from Tallahatchie County, Mississippi. Friends joked that she not only had to train Cyclone but had to housebreak him, and she worked hard at it. Those left to cherish her memory are her loving husband of 56 years, Dewey “Cyclone” Brett and two sons, Forest Brett (Army Veteran) and wife Olga and Randy Brett (Marine Veteran) and wife Linda all of Jacksonville, FL; one sister, Julia Anderson and husband Colon of Sebring, FL; one brother, Michael Brannen and wife Glenda of Sebring, FL; one grandson, Christian Brett of Jacksonville, FL; and numerous nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held graveside for the family at B.E.C.F. at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, May 26th. A Celebration of Life also will be planned for later in the summer at B.E.C.F., 140 Woods Ln, Banner Elk, NC 28604. In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests that donations be made to Feeding Avery Families or State Employees Credit Union Harbor House for Cancer Families in Winston Salem. Words of Comfort and Memories may be shared with the Brett family by visiting our website. www.rsfh.net The care of Karen and her family has been entrusted to Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home of Newland, (828) 733.2121.Read Obituary
We just left Boone North Carolina and on our way home and just found out about Karen I tried to call to see them while we were there and wondered why I never heard from them my memory of her goes back in my beauty shop accent and hair where I did her hair and her boys were real little and would come in the shop and drive me crazy we always had a good time there and went out with him a few times wonderful people such good memories love to all this family
We know that Karen has been reborn to eternal life & that she's where we want to be someday - but our earthly world has lost a bright light & a beautiful spirit. Karen inspired us & brightened our lives with her friendly smiles, her caring heart, her sincere interest in other people, her deep & abiding faith & trust in the Lord. At Banner Elk Christian Fellowship services & activities, Karen & Cyclone ALWAYS made everyone feel welcomed & loved. We're so grateful for the blessing of Karen & Cyclone in our lives & our hearts. Karen's memory will inspire us to continue her legacy of faith, hospitality, love & peace. Sharing our love & prayers with Cyclone & the Brett Family - Dan & Berneita Burke
Lou and I are still trying to wrap our minds around Karen's passing. She left a huge VOID in the lives of so many that knew her. She and Cyclone spent the night with us December 20th on their return to Beech Mountain following a visit with Karen's brother in Florida. We knew at that time that Karen did not look well but Cyclone said she insisted on the visit. (We later learned that she knew what was happening and that we wouldn't be going to Beech as early as usual this year for one last visit,)
We can't begin to explain our feelings that we won't be able to see Karen again in this lifetime but we know she is in a better place and we will be joined together again some day.
God bless Karen's family and her beloved Cyclone.
Jewell Perry and Lou Hackstie
Karen was the hostess with the "mostest"! She had a hand in so many activities there is no room to list them all. Parties were her middle name, and the number of guests was always large! She was active it seems in all Beech Mountain activities serving as president of the nine hole ladies group, Mrs Claus at Christmas to the Beech Mountain elementary school children (even after the school closed Mr and Mrs Claus visited the kids each and every year) She was active in her church, served on committees at Beech, and whenever someone was needed, was the first to volunteer. There are so many memories of golf, Sunday after golf parties, luncheons and the list goes on. She led a very full and meaningful life. Cyclone is well aware what an angel he had in his 56 years of marriage. And now she has been called home, God has more plans yet, for her to be sure, but for now she Rests in Peace. May God bless the Brett family!
May and Ed Dahl
It's very hard for us to understand how that Mississippi farm boy convinced Karen to spend the rest of her life with him. But he did to the benefit of all who knew Karen and Cyclone.
So now it's difficult to accept Karen's passing but we know it's God's will and she is at peace. Death leaves a heartache and love leaves a memory. So cherish the memories, cherish the love.
God bless the Brett family.
Jim and Charlotte Weaver
Cyclone
Sending Love and Prayers to you and your family. I was saddened by this news. I have so many memories and all the fun Bill and I had with you and Karen at many BECF activities. Blessings and find your comfort in the Love of Our Lord and in your friends that send theirLove.
Cyclone,
I am so sorry to see this news. I miss so many of my mountain friends and try to keep up with news of them. I am thinking of you now and wish you well in all things.
Best to you,
Becky Alghrary-McRee (former AJT writer)
Out thoughts and prayers go out to Cyclone and the family. Karen was a special person.
We have so many fond memories of our years on Beech Mountain and we were lucky to make more thru the years. She will be sorely missed.
Blessing and love to the family,
Peggy and Dale
Karen was a wonderful person, and I considered her a friend. We have played golf together over many years, both as couples with our husbands and with just the ladies. She was always kind and gracious and lots of fun too. The way she handled her illness was truly admirable. My prayers for Cyclone. Love to the family, Carole Gatto
Richard and I extend our deepest condolences and prayers to the Brett Family. Karen, along with Cyclone, showed much love and compassion for others. God Bless!
