Karen Darlene Schima Vining

October 24, 1948 ~ September 5, 2018

© Parks Brothers Funeral Service

Submitted by: TD

On Wednesday, September 5, 2018, Karen Darlene (Schima) Vining passed from this life at the age of 69 years old in her home in Rockwall, TX.

Karen was born on October 24, 1948 in Prague, OK to Wesley and Azelee Schima. Karen was the middle child of Wesley and Azelee. She was raised on her parent’s farm with her older brother Deryle and younger brother Johnny.

Karen was preceded in death by her husband Jim Vining, her father and mother Wesley and Azelee Schima, her oldest brother Deryle Schima, her grandparents Ed & Frances Schima, and Will & Arvie Thompson.

Survivors include: Kyle & Janet Hester, Jody Hester, Jim & Lois Vining, Court & Lori Vining, Linda & Ronnie Anderson, Donna Oller, Johnny & Annette Schima, Sue Schima, two nieces, nine grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren.

During her younger years, Karen attended Pleasant Home Baptist Church with her family. She was saved at Bible school in 1961 at the age of 13 and was baptized just down the road at Snyder’s pond. In later years, Karen attended Baptist churches in Jacksonville and Shawnee where she continued to be part of Sunday School classes and numerous groups.

During her years at Prague High School she was active in organizations such as Pep Club, Student Council, Yearbook Staff, and was a member of the National Honor Society. Karen was also the salutatorian of her graduating class in 1966.

When her sons, Jody and Kyle were young, Karen worked for Tinker Air Force Base and they lived in Midwest City. Kyle remembers special days where they were treated to donuts once a week on their way to school and their mom’s way to work. Every other Friday the boys got to choose a restaurant to “eat out” for the family’s supper that night. He also recalls playing the “Spelling Game”, and “Slug Bug” on their many trips visiting grandparents and family.

In 1977, Karen married Jim Vining and shortly after, they moved the family to the Jacksonville, TX area where they resided until Jim’s passing in February of 2000. Karen continued to live there until 2005 when she moved back to Shawnee to be close to her family and help her mother in her later years. In 2012 Karen moved to the Dallas / Rockwall TX area with her son Jody where they lived together.

Karen was part of several organizations around Jacksonville including: The Garden Club, Rotary Club, and the Career Women’s Club. Karen and Jim enjoyed watching the grandkids play sports especially when it was time for football. They made most every local game, rain or shine, and traveled to numerous away games supporting the Jacksonville ‘Fightin’ Indians’.

One of Karen’s treasured items was a Bible that her Grandma Thompson gave to her. In this Bible, Karen had written down some verses that obviously meant something to her and we would like to share those with you today.

Romans 8:28 – And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.

Philippians 4:6-7 - Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, September 15, 2018 at 2:00 PM at Parks Brothers Funeral Chapel in Prague, with Nathan Howard officiating. Interment will follow at Prague Cemetery. Services are under the direction of Parks Brothers Funeral Service in Prague.