Karen German Green, 66, of Newport News, unexpectedly passed away at her home in Newport News.
Karen, a lifelong Peninsula resident, was a graduate of Menchville High School. While employed as a psychiatric aide at Eastern State Hospital, she studied nursing at the former Thomas Nelson Community College. She became an EMT and met her late husband, Sgt. John Franklin Green, Jr., a York County Deputy, in the course of their jobs. She always joked that they met by accident at an accident! Karen was immensely proud that she was able to serve the community prior to her becoming disabled.
Karen’s last few months were happily optimistic as she was undergoing intensive physical therapy, fully expecting to walk again with the assistance of specially crafted braces.
Family was important to Karen as she loved get together with kin, both near and far. An enthusiastic genealogist, she spent many productive hours tracing her German and Sterling lineages. Karen was the go-to person for birth, wedding and anniversary dates.
A talented Alto, she spent many years performing with the Virginia Choral Society. She also sang in the choirs of Second Presbyterian and Menchville Baptist churches. Music, both sacred and secular, brought her great joy.
And she adored her fur babies, giving her love and affection to a number of feline family members throughout the years.
Preceding her in death were her husband, John Franklin Green, Jr.; her parents, Joan Sterling German and Guy Buxton German, as well as a stepmother, Neda Bridges German. Survivors include sister, Kristi (Joseph) and brothers, Monte (Janet) and Randall (Sharon). Also treasuring memories of Karen are a bevy of nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles and Rex, the Bear.
She’ll always be thought of fondly for her family loyalty, humor, honesty and tenacity. Karen never gave up in the face of adversity and we’ll miss her immensely!
