Karen Laverne Houston was born on May 31, 1953, to the late Edward and Emma Houston in Baltimore, Maryland. She departed this life on May 22, 2024.
Karen was more than her education in Baltimore City Public Schools and more than the various jobs she held, including her time at Kane's Factory, where she worked alongside family members. Karen's life encompassed more than the ups and downs she faced. As the second oldest of her siblings, Karen grew up in a large family, that celebrated kinship and love, with lots of family gatherings.
While her sisters learned to cook, Karen was known for her impeccable cleaning skills. Her fashion sense was apparent early on, but it was her radiant chocolate beauty and smile that truly lit up any room. Still, Karen was known to rock a hat, which she wore with exceptional style.
She expressed her love in many ways, whether braiding her niece's hair for school, affectionately calling her youngest sibling "baby sis," checking in with her daughter by asking,
"how's my baby girl today," and wrapping up conversations with her favorite words of endearment, "ok love," or "that's lovely." Though these gestures may seem small, life is made up of a collection of moments. It's these countless gestures and moments that defined Karen, from reassuring her goddaughter that everything would be alright and keeping her during the summers, to treating her daughter's best friend as one of her own, and of course, sharing her unforgettable smile. These moments and more make up the tapestry that is Karen.
She leaves to mourn and cherish her memory: life's partner, Johnny Davis; daughters, Tonya "Peaches" Floyd; Rita, Crystal; son, Dontae Davis; four grandchildren - Ty'on, Tydrick, TyRik, TyMalakai; three greatgrandchildren TyLia, Kash, Chance; three sisters - Bernadette (Tommy), Vanessa (Alan), LaShawn; three brothers - Kenneth (India), Shawn, Elroy; goddaughter, Tyra; godson, DeRodd; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family and friends.
Those who preceded her in death: mother, Emma Houston; father, Edward Houston; son, Gilbert; brother, William; and grandson, Tyquan.