Karen Brown

In honor of a life that left footprints of love.

Obituary

Karen Ann Brown, 69, of Gary, Indiana, passed away on December 18, 2025. She was born on January 22, 1956, to Lillian and Edward Sherls.

Karen graduated from West Side High School in 1975. She devoted over 30 years of service as a waitress at Denny’s Restaurant and most recently worked at J’s Breakfast Club for over a year. Karen was known for her sweet, loving, and kind spirit. She would do anything for anyone, and her warm, contagious personality left a lasting impression on all who knew her. In her free time, she enjoyed traveling and spending cherished moments with her family.

Karen is survived by her three children, Charles Brown, Stephanie Brown, and Stacey (Mario) Cardarella, all of Wisconsin; ten grandchildren, Talia, Tiana, Keon, Sania, Simeon, Kassius, Jasmine, Kaylene, Kevina, and Mya; one sister, Ulaine Mossette of California; two brothers, Edward Sherls and John Echols, both of Michigan; three special nieces, Jamilliah Sherls, Latoya Beard, both of Indiana, and Jaime Sherls of Maryland; and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her son, Kevin Brown; her parents, Lillian Harper and Edward Sherls Sr.; two sisters, Denice and Andrea Sherls; and four brothers, Glen Sherls, Don Sherls, Wayne Sherls, and David Sherls.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, December 27, 2025, at 3:00 p.m. at Smith, Bizzell & Warner Funeral Home in Gary, Indiana.

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