April 19, 1957 ~ Oct 19, 2024
Karen Belinda Bradley (Lewis) was born on April 19, 1957, to Robert Theodore Lewis Sr. & Ellen Marie Lewis (Caffey) in Wagoner OK. Karen was called home on Oct 19, 2024, in Oklahoma City. Karen was raised in Muskogee, attended AR Jr. High and Muskogee High. She adored spending time with her grandparents, Burrell Nute and Mary Magdalene (Maxville) Caffey in Wagner.
Karen was a woman who honed many talents in her lifetime. Her notable achievements include developing as a skilled pianist, “questionably” good dancer, and a passion for Real Estate, all of which began at an early age. At 16 she embarked on her lifelong journey in real estate with the Jim Fuller Real Estate company in Muskogee, OK. She obtained her Real Estate License in her early 20’s and remained active in the industry throughout her life. Before Chip and Joana Gaines, there was Karen! Her entrepreneurial spirit and love for home restoration led her to renovate 9 homes in her lifetime. She was not afraid to get her hands dirty either. A classic account of this was, Karen undertaking the difficult task pulling upstairs toilets from a tight space in a dusty old house in order to replace the floorboards then she reinstalled the toilets.
Karen’s Banking career began at First National Bank and Trust., Muskogee. Shortly thereafter she was recruited by President, John Hannah to join him in the startup of the new City Bank, Muskogee. She moved to Oklahoma City in 1980 and continued her career in banking in the Marketing Division of Penn Square Bank. When the bank was declared insolvent on July 5, 1982, she was one of the select few entrusted to help the FDIC executives close the bank. After the Bank’s closing Karen enjoyed a role as the Executive Assistant to Mr. Benham, of Benham Engineering who she respected greatly.
Karen counted herself fortunate to have lived the next part of her life in York, Pennsylvania, Knoxville, Tennessee, all of which she loved due to her affinity to the outdoors. She returned to Muskogee in 1999 where she took a position as the Executive Officer of the Muskogee Board of Realtors. She served in this role for 15 years successfully executing the merger of the MBR with the Tulsa Board of Realtors.
Karen’s faith was always paramount in her life. She was a member of Crossings Community Church (previously Belle Isle) from 1992 to present & held a special place in her heart for the Grubbs family until the end when Marty’s daughter Kristen fittingly ushered her through her final days.
Karen served on the Board of the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame for several years and enjoyed the privilege of inducting Carrie Underwood to the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame.
She was also a member of the notorious Muskogee Gassettes, which was a group of dancing beans that used their talents to raise scholarship funds for for Muskogee High School students. She also cherished time at Yost Lake and Country Club in Stillwater, and cofounder of the Sunglass Sisters.
Jacqueline Kennedy was a role model for Karen from her youth. Karen admired her poise, unflappability, and resiliency, all traits that Karen modeled it well. These are all evidenced by her favorite song, “Roll With It Baby” by Steve Winwood. She sang this song with Andrea her final day, a testament to the fact that she kept her endearing sense of humor and razor-sharp wit until her final hours.
Karen’s most accomplished endeavor was rearing her three beloved children, Andrea, Jake & Payton. She valued and tried to instill in her children strength, independence, respect, kindness and a love of Gods beauty, particularly sunsets and full moons.
Karen is survived by her daughter Andrea Holley and husband John, their children Aven and Wes, who adored their “KK” of Edmond, OK. Son Jake Connor Bradley of Oklahoma City, OK and daughter Payton Leigh Bradley of Los Angeles, CA. Brother Bobby Lewis and wife Susan of Keefton, OK. Nieces Amanda Liggin & husband Josh and their kids, Laine and Charlotte of Plano Texas. Krystal Lewis and Jessica VanVoast of Muskogee, OK. Cherished best friends, Cheryl Crossland, who she met the first day of 1st grade, and Paula and Kenny Jones, godparents to her kids, along with numerous loving friends and relatives acquired over her lifetime.
Karen was a fierce and loyal friend to all who knew her.
Proverbs 31:17 She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks. Proverbs 31:10 Her value is more precious than jewels, her worth is far above rubies or pearls.
A service to remember and celebrate her life will be held Thursday, October 24, 2024, at 10:00AM at Crossing Community Church (Chapel),14600 Portland Ave, Oklahoma City, OK 73134. Services will be made available via livestream and recording.