Karen Beaver

Karen C. Beaver, better known as Kay, passed away on December 19, 2022 at Parkside Nursing Home in Ellijay, Georgia. Kay was born February 4, 1948 to Neal W. and Elena Nix Collins of Blairsville, Georgia.

Kay was a lifelong resident of Union County. She was of the Methodist faith and a member of First United Methodist Church of Union County. Teaching was her chosen profession and she was loved by the high school students she taught. She had a passion for learning, she loved to read, and she wanted to instill that love in others. Kay was blessed by the students she taught and often said she hoped they learned as much from her as she did from them. In addition to teaching, she had a passion for animals. Over the years, she had several dogs and hundreds of cats. Strays always seemed to find her and she lovingly cared for them. She also had a passion for sports and was an avid fan of the Georgia Bulldogs, her Alma Mater.

Kay was preceded in death by her parents, Neal W. and Elena Collins. She is survived by her sister, Jo Neal Collins Ward of Lake City, Florida; her daughter, Dana Elizabeth Beaver, of Blairsville; her son and daughter-in-law, Henry Neal (Hank) and Jill Beaver, of Marietta, Georgia, as well as her grandchildren: Ava, Jonah, Jude, and Teddy Beaver. Kay also leaves behind a number of nieces, nephews and cousins. She was blessed to have good friends who she cherished, especially her roommate at Parkside, Gwen Warren.

At her request, there will only be a graveside service,on Monday, January 2nd, at 2:00pm at Union Memorial Gardens. Reverend Don Landen will be officiating. In lieu of flowers, a donation in her memory may be made to First United Methodist Church of Union County, or Cast Off Pet Rescue.