Karen Kizzee Harkey's Obituary
Our devoted mother, sister, grandmother, aunt and friend, Karen Kizzee Harkey passed away peacefully on June 1, 2022, in Plano Texas. She was surrounded by loving family and friends. Karen was born February 2, 1953, to Roosevelt Karl and Wanda Mae Kizzee. Karen is preceded in death by her parents and husband, Horace Harkey, Jr.
Karen attended South Oak Cliff High School in Dallas, Texas in 1971. She received her bachelor’s degree from North Texas State University where she majored in speech, communications and theatre. Karen was a proud member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Karen also met and married her soul mate, Horace Harkey, Jr., during her college attendance. They were married for over 46 years.
Karen was a dedicated educator. She began her tenure in education teaching students in the Dallas Independent School District. Karen was a stellar and motivated Theatre Arts teacher. Her students were met with enthusiasm and class. They were always medal winners in Speech and Art competitions. Karen also loved the written word. She could often be heard quoting various luminaries from Shakespeare to the contemporary black writers of her time.
Karen’s greatest fulfillment and joy in her career was her commitment to the education of children. Karen believed that all children, regardless of socioeconomic standing, should have the opportunity to receive a stellar education. As a result, Karen founded Choices Leadership Academy in 2005, a STEAM focused college preparatory school. The school was founded on the philosophy that all students are entitled to and can succeed in college preparatory programs when the curriculum is rigorous, engaging and well-planned. Under her governance, Choices Leadership Academy has given opportunities to hundreds of deserving children. Many former students received scholarships to the most prestigious private preparatory institutions in Dallas including, Parish Episcopal School, The Greenhill School, Westwood International, Ursuline Academy, St. Mark’s School of Texas, Jesuit Preparatory School, and The Episcopal School of Dallas.
Karen also believed in serving her community. She began the TRiO Upward Bound program to further her commitment in serving first-generation and low-income children. Moreover, for the past several years, Karen served meals to families in the community after school each day. She also provided lunch to a local charter school so that students would be provided with a free, healthy meal daily.
Karen was a loyal and faithful friend. Her tendency toward kindness and generosity was felt by many. She gave unselfishly of her time to support others and was a person of integrity, faith and honesty.
Karen and her family were devoted members of Hamilton Park United Methodist Church for over 36 years committing their faith in 1986. On June 1, 2022, Karen entered eternal rest with her Almighty. She leaves to celebrate her transition and cherished memories, two sons, Jason and Justin Harkey, a sister Lenora Kizzee, nephew Malcolm McCarty, adored granddaughter Robyn Harkey, and a host of family and friends.
“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.” 2 Timothy 4:7
Visitation and the Celebration of Life will be on Monday, June 20, 2022 at Hamilton Park United Methodist Church - 11881 Schroeder Rd., Dallas, Texas 75243. Visitation will be from 9:00am to 10:00am, with the Celebration following at 10:00am
Funeral arrangements for Karen Kizzee Harkey have been faithfully entrusted to Restland Funeral Home and Memorial Park - 13005 Greenville Ave., Dallas, Texas 75243
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