Karen Renita Summerhill was born on July 28, 1963, in Florence, Alabama, to the late Willie James (Hubert) Summerhill and Jessie Gilbert-Summerhill. She peacefully departed this life on October 1, 2025, at North Alabama Medical Center in Florence, Alabama.

At an early age, Karen accepted Christ and united with Galilee Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. J.J. Johnson.

She was educated in the Florence City School System, where she attended Harlan and Forest Hills Elementary Schools and graduated from Coffee High School in 1981. She later continued her education at the University of North Alabama for a time.

Karen was a talented and dedicated worker. She was employed as a medical transcriptionist at Eliza Coffee Memorial (ECM) Hospital and also worked at Turtle Point for many years. Her exceptional typing skills opened the door to several great job opportunities throughout her career, where she was admired for her precision and professionalism.

Karen was preceded in death by her parents, Willie James (Hubert) and Jessie Gilbert-Summerhill; her maternal grandparents, Judson and Ruby Gilbert; and her paternal grandparents, John Dewey and Madgie Summerhill.

She leaves to cherish her memory two devoted daughters, Cryshaunda Latrice West and Jade Alexandria West, both of Florence, Alabama. She also leaves behind eight beloved grandchildren — Lyric, Nicholas, Jori, Jordan, Jalyra, Jackson, Jayce, and Jayla — all of Florence, Alabama.

Karen is also remembered by her five brothers: Howard (Richetta) Summerhill of Acworth, Georgia; Jimmie (Janice) Summerhill of Chesapeake, Virginia; Jerald Summerhill of Florence, Alabama; and Clinton and Clifton Summerhill, both of Huntsville, Alabama. She is survived by her two sisters, Cynthia Summerhill of Alabaster, Alabama, and Sheryl Godbey of Florence, Alabama. In addition, she is survived by her great-uncles, Otis (Josephine) Gilbert of Indianapolis, Indiana, and Charlie (Sandra) Gilbert Jr. of Muscle Shoals, Alabama.

Along with these loved ones, Karen leaves a host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, other relatives, and many dear friends who will forever treasure her memory.