Karen R. Sammons

Karen Rebecca Sammons (nee Wilson), 68, of New Albany, Ohio, passed away on April 3, 2024, in Columbus, Ohio, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on November 1, 1955, in Lancaster, Ohio. She was a beloved mother, grandmother, wife, friend, and elementary school teacher. Karen firmly believed in Jesus Christ and her faith permeated every aspect of her life. She was dedicated to nurturing young minds and fostering their educational, emotional, and spiritual growth in her ministry as a Christian school teacher. She was known for her patience, kindness, and ability to make each student feel important and capable. She spent many after-school hours developing creative and meaningful lessons and projects. Karen was a devoted grandmother who cherished many outings and gatherings at her home with her daughter Jessica and four grandchildren. She committed her time and energy to attending soccer and tennis practices, pool lessons, and performances, even after she began her cancer battle.

In her free time, Karen loved to spend time walking, praying, and listening to worship music at Inniswood Metro Garden, planting flowers, and going to dinner with her friends. She had an affection for the beach and visited her daughter Angela and granddog in California every year on their shared birthday. She often organized joy-filled family gatherings where she showcased her extraordinary baking skills with handmade desserts and designer birthday cakes. Her educational journey included attending Canal Winchester Schools and earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Education from Ohio University. In her over 35-year career, Karen’’s teaching skills were unsurpassed, which was acknowledged when she was nominated for and awarded the Salvatori Prize for Excellence in Teaching in 1997.

Karen is survived by her husband Jeffery Sammons; daughters Angela Sammons and Jessica (Andrew) Rumberger; grandchildren Cory, Kayden, Adelyn, and Valerie Rumberger; siblings Janine Baker, Jeff (Jalinda) Wilson, and Steve (Jane) Wilson; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents Lois and Donald Wilson, brother-in-law Brian Baker, and nephew, Matthew Wilson.

Karen demonstrated unwavering faith, hope, strength, determination, and selfless love, which remarkably only grew stronger through her 1.5-yearlong cancer battle. She is a true example of sacrificial love and joy in all circumstances. It is impossible to measure the impact she has made or the number of lives she touched. Her legacy and memory live on in her loved ones’ hearts. She will be deeply missed until we meet again.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at East Side Grace Brethren Church, 7510 E Broad Street, Blacklick, Ohio, 43004 on Thursday, April 11th, 2024. The doors will open at 10:00 a.m., and the service will begin at 11:00 a.m., followed by lunch. All are welcome and encouraged to share stories and wear bright colored attire in support of her vibrant life.

Flowers, letters, and gifts may be addressed to 7510 E Broad Street Blacklick OH 43004. Friends and family are also encouraged to donate to the Women’s Cancer Research Foundation (WCRF), which pioneers clinical trials to develop more effective endometrial cancer treatments.

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” 2 Corinthians 5:17

Pfeifer Woodyard Funeral Home is honored to serve the Sammons family.