Karen Marlene Cox was born to Richard and Helen Cox in Cincinnati, Ohio on July, 16, 1952. She departed this life on September 20, 2025, at the age of 73, in her home in Oak Park, Illinois.

The fourth of six children, she grew up surrounded by family and friends in the community of Steele Subdivision, also known as The Sub—now known as West College Hill. She joined Second Baptist Church early in life, beginning a lifelong practice of diligent Bible study and devotion. Karen's dedication to her family and community, as well as her commitment to making the world a better place, echoed throughout her life.

Karen began her education at Steele Elementary School, before attending North College Hill Jr.-Sr. High School, where she was active in several organizations, including National Honor Society, Pep Club, GAA, and Se-Co. She graduated in 1970 and enrolled at Spelman College in Atlanta, Georgia where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Mathematics in 1974. Karen later received a Master's degree in Public Health from the University of Michigan and a Master of Business Administration degree from The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.

After working on the east coast, Karen eventually settled in Illinois - living, working, and making friends and community in the Chicagoland area for the last 38 years. After a long and successful career with Blue Cross Blue Shield, she retired in 2018.

Carrying that spirit of curiosity and exploration throughout her life, retirement gave her time to pursue her varied hobbies like genealogy, African American history, and antiques. Dedicating her retirement years to helping her community and volunteering with her church, Karen was always busy. A seasoned traveler, she was always ready for a new journey, having traveled to all seven continents, including Antarctica.

While she loved traversing the world, Karen always had time for her friends and family, lighting up the room with her distinctive laugh and good humor. She was known for her generosity and hospitality. Karen was always the first to arrive, the first to volunteer, the first to step up and organize, and the first to celebrate.

Preceded in death by her parents, Karen is survived by her siblings: Maurice (Fannie); Richard (Elizabeth); Warren (Beverly); Amelia; and Bruce (Gloria), many cousins, nieces, nephews, grand-nephews, and a grand-niece.