Karen Jo Dunbar

Karen Jo Dunbar, of Smyrna, GA, 64, passed away peacefully on March 25, 2023, in High Point, NC after a short illness.  Born in California, the eldest of three siblings, she spent her early years moving around the country as a Navy brat, the daughter of a Naval aviator and an Indiana farmgirl.  After her parents planted roots in Northern Virginia, Ms. Dunbar graduated from Groveton High School in 1976.  She earned a diploma from Virginia Tech with a degree in Communications, began working in Maryland and Virginia Beach before relocating to Atlanta.  Spending most of her career in the medical technology field, she bettered the lives of countless people through her work.

Her passion for life was only exceeded by her love of family and dear friends. Aunt Karen was adored by many of her “kids”, albeit cousins, nieces, a nephew, great nieces, great nephews and very close friends’ children and their children.  She never missed a birthday card and was always willing to pay a dollar for a back scratch.

The highlight of every year was two family get togethers – Memorial Day weekend in Duck, NC, and Thanksgiving at her parents.  The gatherings would be attended by a plethora of family members exchanging old stories, enjoying homemade food, and playing games well into the night.  She bequeathed many $1 bills for a game of Left-Right-Center in her honor at the 2023 gathering at “The Beach House”.

Her friends were endless and long lasting, dating from high school through college and her professional coworkers.  The love she showed for others was reciprocated exponentially over the course of her last weeks.  Karen will be remembered and cherished in so many hearts.

Beyond family and friends, Karen was a devoted fan of the Atlanta Braves and a passionate supporter of her beloved Virginia Tech Hokies.  She would never miss a Braves game and insisted that Apple TV be installed in High Point so she wouldn’t miss a game.  The Hokie Nation may have lost a fervent fan yet the love she exuded for her alma mater will live on forever.

Karen is survived by her parents Fredric and Joan Dunbar of Greensboro, NC, brother David and wife Jill of Belews Creek, NC, brother Douglas and wife Susannah of Fairfax, VA, nieces Candice Stovall (Jonathan), Carleigh Wilson (Robert), Lesleigh Gschwind (Jake), nephew Parker Dunbar (Erika) and their families entailing eight great nieces & nephews along with numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.

A private celebration of life will be held later for family members.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Hospice Home at High Point, 1803 Westchester Dr, High Point, NC, 27262  (https://www.hospiceofthepiedmont.org/).

Wright Funerals-Cremations, High Point is in charge of arrangements.