Karen Louise "K.J." Jarvis, 71, native and lifelong resident of Charleston, died peacefully at home surrounded by her loving family on Saturday, Dec. 20, 2015. She was born Feb. 14, 1944 to the late Robert L. and Anna Beck Jarvis. K.J. graduated from West Virginia State University with a teaching degree and taught school for a brief period. She was employed by such well-noted restaurants as Ernie's, Number 8, The Tarragon Room and Fazio's, where she amassed a following of loyal patrons. Her zest for life was manifested in how she cared about every person equally, no matter their situation in life. She lovingly, and up until her last days, took care of her surviving sister, Patsy White. She loved reading mysteries, finding treasures for her loved ones in thrift shops, going to aerobic classes and traveling with her friends.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Robert L. Jarvis, Jr.; sister, Judith Marie Jarvis Southern; and niece, Gwendolyn Jarvis Ginn.
She is survived by her sister, Patsy White; nephew, Harry Lee White, Jr. and his spouse, Trish; niece, Patricia "Tricy" White Whitley and her husband, James; niece, Sheri Lee Southern; niece, Monica Jarvis Smith; nephew, Rodney L. Jarvis; and a host of great-nieces and -nephews.
The family would like to extend their appreciation to all of her closest friends who were like family to her and are too many to list, but especially Ivor Sheff.
Funeral service will be at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 22, at Barlow Bonsall Funeral Home, Charleston. Burial will follow at Tyler Mountain Memory Gardens, Cross Lanes.
Visitation will be held two hours prior to the service at the funeral home.
Flowers are appreciated, but those wishing to make a monetary contributions are encouraged to do so in memory of K.J. to Kanawha Hospice Care, 1606 Kanawha Blvd. W., Charleston, WV 25387-2536.
People are welcome to share their memories and sympathies at www.barlowbonsall.com.
Barlow Bonsall Funeral Home, Charleston, has been entrusted with the arrangements.