Karen Neal (Vickers) Henderson

MRS. KAREN NEAL (VICKERS) HENDERSON was born on a chilly day, two days after Christmas, to Mr. and Mrs. James Vickers. Her my mother, Gloria, loved her so much for her caring, compassionate, and tenacious spirit.

During the early seventies, Karen met Senior Airman Jack Henderson while he was on leave from the Vietnam War; shortly afterward, they married in Great Falls, Montana. During their early military career, Karen would travel with Jack from one Air Force base to the next, often inviting family members to share the experiences.

After being assigned to Langley AFB, Virginia, Karen settled in Newport News, Virginia, and allowed Jack to complete his military career. Their marriage ended, but their love for each other was endless.

Karen possessed special traits that attracted, inspired, and fascinated others. She provided food and clothing for those less fortunate than her. Each week she would walk to the nearby food pantries to get food for the senior citizens who were sick and shut-in.

She loved art, flowers, fruit trees, dancing, fur coats, Puma apparel, and Michelle Obama handbags. Most of all, she LOVED her family. She would bake roasted duck for Christmas roasted goose on New Year’s, and during the week she would feast on baked salmon. Fruitcake and fried apple pies were her favorite treats.

Karen will be missed by: her siblings, Claudette (Ernest) Minor, James Eric Vickers, Vicki (Alexis) Carr, Jimmie (Sharon) Vickers, and Nancy Vickers; her nieces and nephews, cousins, and friends.

Karen bore no children. She was preceded in death by her mother, father, baby sister, Gloria Wilnita, and Jack. Karen Neal Henderson is gone but not forgotten.