Karen D'Ann Thaxton Brumley, 68, was called home to the Lord on September 12, 2024, after a courageous battle with brain cancer. She was born on September 11, 1956, in Tomball, Texas, to Dr. Curtis L. Thaxton and Mae Jean Thaxton.

Karen's love for healthcare began early, assisting her father in his veterinary practice by sterilizing instruments, stocking the pharmacy, and joining him on large animal house calls. This early exposure fueled her passion for nursing. She graduated from Baylor University in 1980 with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, and that same year, married Bob Edwin Brumley. She began her nursing career as a NICU nurse at Driscoll Foundation Children's Hospital in Corpus Christi.

Following the birth of her son, Shane, in 1984, Karen returned to her roots in Tomball. In 1985, she began a nearly 37-year career at Children's Memorial Hermann Hospital in Houston, where her dedication and leadership left a lasting legacy. Her daughter, Melissa, was born in 1988. For the first decade, Karen practiced NICU bedside care and served on the neonatal transport team. In 1994, she earned her Master of Science in Nursing from the University of Texas Health Science Center in Houston. She then directed the hospital's 80-bed Level IV NICU from 1996 to 2013, a role in which she was recognized for her leadership and care, including being named Children's Memorial Hermann Employee of the Year in 2000.

In 2013, Karen was promoted to Administrative Director of Pediatric and Neonatal Critical Care, and in 2017, she became Associate Vice President of Operations at Children's Memorial Hermann. After nearly four decades of service, she retired in 2022, bidding farewell to her long commutes, 24/7 on-call pager, and the air mattress she slept on during natural disasters.

Karen was respected for her tenacity, servant leadership, and collaborative spirit. She mentored countless nurses and nurse leaders and served as a peer support partner for the Texas Peer Assistance Program for Nurses. She was also an active member of the National Association of Neonatal Nurses, the Academy of Neonatal Nurses, and the Houston Association of Neonatal Nurses, serving as president twice.

Despite her demanding career, Karen's faith and family were always her top priorities. She was a devoted member of First Baptist Church Tomball and later Champion Forest Baptist Church. At home, she managed the household, supported her children in all of their sporting endeavors, and cared for her husband, Bob, for ten years after a stroke left him incapacitated. Her deep love and commitment to her family were unwavering.

In retirement, Karen embraced her most cherished role as "Grandma" and "Gigi" to her five grandchildren. She spent her days practicing yoga, volunteering at Champion Forest Baptist Church's Community Ministry Center, participating in Bible studies, and spoiling her grandchildren. A new passion for antique glassware led to adventures with her sister Taunya, exploring antique malls across the country.

In early 2024, Karen found herself in need of the care she had so often provided, as she bravely faced glioblastoma. Her former colleagues at Memorial Hermann, along with UT Health physicians, worked diligently to manage the complications of her malady. Her devoted care team included her sister Debbie, daughter Melissa, and loving caregivers Joyce Fletcher, Melisa Patterson, Joyce Williams, Keisha Hopkins, Brandi Walker, Brittney Walker, Gloria Vigil, and Lisa Richard. After 7.5 months, she peacefully passed away on September 12, 2024, surrounded by her children, sisters, and her family caregiver of 20 years, Joyce Fletcher.

Karen was preceded in death by her father, Dr. Curtis L. Thaxton; her mother, Mae Jean Thaxton; her husband, Bob Edwin Brumley; and her brother-in-law, Richard Glee Wood.

She is survived by her son, Shane Brumley; her daughter, Melissa Kam, and son-in-law, Christopher Kam; Jeanette Zirlott, parent to her grandchildren; and her beloved grandchildren, Brett Zirlott, Greyson Brumley, Parker Brumley, Benjamin Kam, and Annabelle Kam. She will also be greatly missed by her sisters, Taunya Wood and Debbie Thaxton; her cousin, Saunya Bishop; her niece, Christine Hay; her great-nephew, Tyler Luhrs; and her extended family, friends, and former colleagues.

Karen's legacy in healthcare and the impact she had on her colleagues, patients, and family will be remembered with admiration. Her memory will live on in the hearts of all who loved her.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, September 27, at 10:00 am at the Chapel at Champion Forest Baptist Church - Champions Campus, 15555 Stuebner Airline Rd, Houston, Texas 77069. A reception will follow immediately. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Children's Memorial Hermann Hospital or Champion Forest Baptist Church Missions, specifically for the Community Ministry Center.

The link to a live feed of the service is: championforest.org/specialevent/

Pass code is: cfbc