Obituary of Karen Elizabeth Brister

Karen joined her beloved husband, Clyde, and children Katie and Allen in a glorious heavenly reunion on Wednesday, December 18, 2019. She was also preceded in death by her parents Violet and Clyde Howerton. Karen spent most of her youth in Oklahoma. Her father’s job in the aeronautics industry took them to Roy, Utah where she graduated high school and attended Weber State College. Karen returned to Tulsa where she graduated from business school and made lifelong friends. Through these friends, she met the love of her life – Clyde. They were wed in 1970 after he returned from his tour in Vietnam. The rest of their lives were spent in Broken Arrow raising their family. Her interests were many and varied, among the most favorite was spending time with her children and grandchildren and visiting with family and friends. She also loved antiquing, gardening, reading, and decorating and talking politics. She and Clyde had their dream cabin in the mountains of Arkansas which they shared with those they loved. The Saint Mountain Judea Girls spent many fun times there quilting and shopping. She was a member of St Stephen’s United Methodist Church, the Broken Arrow Iris Garden Club and the Broken Arrow Museum. She retired from the Broken Arrow Rhoades (Northeast) Elementary School where she was a Media Specialist Aide. Her family and friends were blessed with her generous spirit. She made every holiday a memorable event that will forever be treasured. She was known for her warm, welcoming nature - to know her was to love her. She leaves behind her grandchildren Quincy Knutson, Jordan Knutson, Liberty Howell and Cecilia Howell. Her son-in-law Jason Howell, Brother Marty Howerton (Pat) and sisters-in-law Lucy Hofstrom (Kenny), and Dorothy Haynes (Richard) and many nieces and nephews along with many old friends and new friends that she made this past year with the frequent visits to doctors and labs. Special thanks to Dr. Nandikolla and staff for the special care given during Karen’s battle with cancer as well as Bioscare staff at Prairie Rose. Karen’s life celebration will be held at 10:30 AM on Friday, December 27 at Green Hill Funeral Home. www.greenhillok.com