Karen Eve Johnigan died peacefully on November 16, 2016, after waging a brief but intense battle with pancreatic and liver cancer. Karen was born on August 21, 1949. She graduated Cum Laude from Paschal High School in Fort Worth, Texas, and later from the University of Texas at Arlington. Karen travelled as a young woman, living briefly in California and Arizona before settling in Dallas. After dedicating herself to her microbiology lab for 37 years, Karen retired from Parkland Hospital in 2014. She enjoyed a vibrant retirement, surrounding herself with family, activities, and dear friendships.Karen was known as the life of every party. Her energy was seemingly limitless, whether at work, at play, or while exercising her faith. She was accepting of everyone around her. Whether they played in bands, performed in plays, or dunked basketballs, she would show up, participate, and cheer for her loved ones. During this loyal support of others, Karen focused on her own spiritual health. She attended Christ United Methodist Church for the 30-plus years that she lived in Farmers Branch.Karen was involved in many groups in the Dallas community and she had a variety of friends that she was close to. She had an extraordinary connection with children, as she was the absolute Queen of Board Games. She toted her bag of games to every family holiday event. She played a mean game of Yahtzee, Monopoly, and Checkers, but Dominoes (42) was her absolute favorite. Karen loved to travel, especially to Alaska where she visited her beloved grandkids.Karen is preceded in death by her parents, Denton and Evelyn Pearson. She is survived by her sons, Preston Johnigan and Brandon Kell, her daughter-in-law, Whitney Glover, and their two children, Stella and Zoe. She is also survived by her two sisters, Janis Tarsha and Linda Hutchings, her step-daughters, Monyka and Nikki Johnigan, as well as by many nieces and nephews, great nieces and great nephews, all of whom she adored and spent time with.Karen had a beautiful light that will be missed. A memorial will be held at Christ United Methodist Church on Saturday, November 26, at 11:00 a.m., followed by interment at 1:00 p.m. at Laurel Land Memorial Park, 7100 Crowley Road, Fort Worth, Texas 76134. Friends and family are invited to attend either of these events, and they will be encouraged to share their Karen stories with others.Please leave the family condolences and share memories on this website.