A private memorial ceremony honoring the life of Karen Gail Sibley was held October 3, 2023 in the Rivercrest Chapel, 13329 S. Memorial Drive in Bixby. Karen passed away Wednesday, September 20, 2023 in Tulsa. She was 69 years old.
Born September 30, 1953 in Tahlequah, Karen was the daughter of Sam and Seletha (Bell) Kelley. She grew up on a farm near Moodys, Oklahoma where the family raised blueberries, blackberries, and strawberries. Many fried fish, quail or rabbit dinners were cooked in her mother's kitchen, mostly animals hunted by the family. Though raised in the country, Karen loved make-up, clothing, fashion and most anything "girly." Karen graduated from Tahlequah High School with the Class of 1971.
Following high school, Karen attended Northeastern State University for a short time and studied business at the college NEO A & M in Miami, Oklahoma. She later relocated to Kansas City where she was employed with the Great Midwest Corporation as an administrative assistant.
Karen later moved to Tulsa where she raised her family - and gave it her all to promote their Chiropractic practice near 51st & Harvard. She was a wonderful mother to her two sons, James and Trae.
Karen was also an interior designer, owning and operating Sibley Designs. She designed homes for many friends and family, as well as their lake house in Ghost Hollow on Grand Lake. Karen always kept her own home immaculate!
A spiritual person, Karen loved Jesus. She led several people to the Lord through the years and raised her children in church. Karen was a wonderful cook and fantastic entertainer, organizing the most incredible parties and events. Karen's hobbies included gardening, landscaping, scrapbooking, and traveling to various beach destinations.
May Karen's memory be eternal in the hearts of all who loved her.
Surviving family members include her son, James Sibley; her grandson, John William Sibley IV; her niece, Donecia Acuff and husband, Clint; and her cousin, Debra "Debs" Stafford and her husband, Alan; two brothers, Dean "Chooch" Kelly and wife, Susan and Gerald Kelly and his wife, Carol.
Karen was preceded in death by her parents; and her son, John William "Trae" Sibley III.
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