Karen Eulene Jackson, joined her heavenly host of angels and God Thursday, Jan. 6, 2011 after a long battle with cancer. She died in her home where she had lived for 57 years.

A lifelong resident of Polk County, she was the daughter of Callie Holmes Jackson and the late Troy L. Jackson. She was a member of Green Creek First Baptist Church.

Surviving are two brothers, Barry Jackson (Elyse) and Benny Jackson (Brenda); two sisters, Sharon Hughes (Jack) and Wanda J. Mortensen, all of Green Creek. Also surviving are 13 nieces and nephews and 37 great-nieces and nephews, whom she loved to babysit. She was predeceased by her paternal grandparents, Clarence and Solena Jackson, and maternal grandparents, John and Eula Hampton Holmes.

Karen loved her Lord Jesus, Green Creek Baptist Church, and her pastor, Allen McKinney. She loved music, to sing in church, her special Sunday school class and teacher. In earlier years, she loved to go to Polk Vocational Services with her special jobs. She attended special education classes in Green Creek and reading classes at Isothermal Community College.

She retired from Polk Vocational Services after 34 years and loved going to the Meeting Place #2 to play bingo. She had a happy, well-rounded life despite her challenges. Karen loved for her brothers to tease her, traveling and eating out. She was a social person who knew most people in Polk County; if not; she made it a point to meet them.

The family wishes to thank Gibbs Cancer Center and Carolina Cancer Center for their care and most of all, the friends and church family for their prayers and gifts. Also thank you to our pastor for watching over her so faithfully. Our dear little “feisty” gal is gone to the best Holiday Inn in the whole universe.

Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 9, 2011 in Green Creek First Baptist Church, with Rev. Allen McKinney and Rev. Shane Jackson officiating.

Burial followed in the church cemetery.

Memorials may be made to Green Creek First Baptist Church for a cemetery shelter, 534 Coxe Road, Columbus, N.C. 28722.

An online guest register is available at www.mcfarlandfuneralchapel.com.

McFarland Funeral Chapel, Tryon.