Karen Ann (Washington) Mitchell

Obituary Karen Ann Washington was born from the union of Leroy and Annie Washington on December 10th, 1953, at KU Medical Center in Kansas City, KS. Karen was the oldest of 7 children; Leroy II, Enrique, Crystal, Denise, Debra, and Darryl. She was preceded in death by her brother Leroy II in 1955, her father Leroy in 1990, and sister Denise in 2015. Karen was a native of Kansas City, MO and attended Southeast High School. She was a cheerleader and a candy striper, before graduating in 1971. Karen was accepted to William Jewell College in Liberty, MO, but decided to pursue a career in nursing. She graduated from Research School of Nursing as a Licensed Practical Nurse, in 1973. Karen worked for several hospital networks including, Research Medical Center, Truman Medical Center, Kindred Hospital and other healthcare providers. The pinnacle of Karen’s career was when she received the “LPN of the Year” award, from The Greater Kansas City Black Nurses Association in 2013. Karen concluded her nursing careering in 2016, after 43 years of service. Karen met the love of her life, Michael D. Mitchell in 1972. Michael and Karen were wed in marriage on July 21, 1973. From this union, Michael and Karen raised three children; Kristin, Michael II, and Alisha. Michael’s military service took their family overseas to Darmstadt, Germany, until 1977. After several relocations, their family permanently returned home to Kansas City, MO, in 1981. Michael and Karen accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior, while attending Straightway Missionary Baptist Church (Kansas City, MO). They later became members of New Life In Christ International Ministries (Grandview, MO), and rededicated their lives to Christ. Karen was a part of the Usher Ministry and worked in the church nursery (babies and toddlers brought her great joy). She loved to praise God, read His Word daily, and listen to gospel music. Karen also enjoyed spending time with her family, was very adventurous, loved to travel, and an avid reader of mystery novels. Karen leaves behind to cherish her memories: her mother, Annie Washington; husband of 47 years, Michael D. Mitchell, Sr.; three children, Kristin Banks, Michael D. Mitchell II, Alisha Duarte (Tre’Maine); eight grandchildren, Aaron Holley, Alyssa Robinson, Akilah Banks, Alexis Robinson, Octavia Duarte, Olivia Duarte, Jonathan Duarte, Jeremiah Duarte; three great-grandchildren, Tristan Holley, Taliyah Holley, Avery Tucker; siblings, Enrique Washington, Crystal Mullins, Debra Sapp, Darryl Washington (Carmen); a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and extended family. Karen loves you all very much; she will be sorely missed. Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday, June 20th at New Life in Christ International Ministries 12401 Byars Road KCMO. Visitation 9:00 A.M. Interment at 11:00 A.M. on Monday, June 22nd at Leavenworth National Cemetery. To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Karen Ann (Washington) Mitchell, please visit our Tree Store. Read More

Karen Ann (Washington) Mitchell

December 10, 1953 - June 11, 2020