Karen E. Marcum

Karen Elizabeth Marcum, 63, of Bowling Green, died at 11:27 a.m. June 15, 2010, at The Medical Center.

The Madisonville native was born Feb. 13, 1947. She was a social worker for the state of Kentucky for 28 years and retired in 1997. She was a graduate of Western Kentucky University. During her professional career, Karen received numerous awards and recognition for her dedication and service to her clients. She married Joseph E. Marcum on June 15, 1968. Karen was an unrepentant extrovert and a fervent lover of all people. She was ardently devoted to her family and genuinely loyal to her many friends. She was a Christian and a member of Rich Pond Baptist Church. She courageously battled pancreatic cancer for seven grueling years, yet she remained optimistic and preserved her sweet and nurturing spirit until the end. She was a daughter of the late Thomas M. Ramsey and Elizabeth Morgan Ramsey. She was preceded in death by two sisters, Zaida Janelle Barfield and Margaret Lynn Tant; a brother-in-law, Sherman Runner; and a nephew, Steven Wayne Ramsey.

Funeral is at 10 a.m. Friday at J.C. Kirby & Son Funeral Home, Lovers Lane chapel, with burial in Bowling Green Gardens. Visitation is from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.

Expressions of sympathy may take the form of contributions to Rich Pond Baptist Church, 200 Brad Ave., Bowling Green, KY 42101.

Online condolences may be made at jckirbyandson.com.

Survivors include her husband of 42 years, Joseph E. Marcum; a daughter, Lori E. Colburn and her husband, Chad, of Calvert City; a brother, Booker T. “Buddy” Ramsey and his wife, Linda Ramsey, of Bowling Green; a sister, Lou Anne Runner, of Bowling Green; three grandchildren, Claire Colburn, Cate Colburn and Lincoln Colburn; and several nieces and nephews.