Karen Ruth Chester

Karen Ruth Chester, age 81, ran to Jesus and earned her wings on Monday, April 29, 2024.   Visitation will be Thursday, May 2, 2024, at 11am at Wood’s UMC 7200 Hickory Rd, S. Chesterfield with the funeral service at noon.  Interment will take place following the funeral at Wood’s UMC cemetery.  There will be a luncheon after interment in the fellowship hall of the church.  In lieu of flowers, Karen would appreciate donations given to Wood’s UMC Memorial Fund and Crater Community Hospice.  

Karen was born in Binghamton, New York on March 10, 1943, to Bob and Ruth Chester.  She graduated from Binghamton Central High School in June of 1961.  Upon graduation Karen worked for Endicott Johnson Shoe Company.  In 1995 she moved to Chesterfield, Virginia.  It was here that she discovered her true calling by gaining employment with Children’s World Day Care Centers. Karen was the recipient of the Honor Teacher of the Year award for 3 years in a row.   She was also a very dedicated member of Wood’s UMC, where she actively taught the preschool-Kindergarten Sunday School class and worked with children in their Kids for Christ Club and Vacation Bible School.  

Karen is survived by two sisters, Jeanne (Barry)Amos and Sue Bennett of Chesterfield, three nieces, Carrie Bennett Desmond of Gastonia, NC, Lori (James) Flannery of Mechanicsville, Va, and Katie (Sean) McNerney of Chesterfield; along with three great nieces and two great nephews, Shawn and Kara Desmond, Sophia Flannery, Amos and Jack McNerney.   

Karen’s legacy will be: “Miss Karen loved all children and all children loved Miss Karen.  Rest in peace sweet sister, you ran the race and you won!”

Services are being handled by the Colonial Heights Chapel of E. Alvin Small Funeral Homes and Crematory. Condolences may be registered at www.ealvinsmall.com.