Karen Ann Gillingham
2026-01-24
Age 67
Obituary
Karen Ann Gillingham (née Gardner), age 67, passed away peacefully on January 24, 2026, at her home in Pointblank, Texas. Karen was born in 1958 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to Albert J. Gardner and Shirley Gardner, both of whom preceded her in death. She later made her home in Texas, where she built a life centered on love, family, service, and friendship. Karen shared 47 wonderful years of marriage with her beloved husband, Dan Gillingham.
Together they raised a family that was the heart of her world. She was a devoted mother to Lisa Vrazel and Brad Gillingham and his wife Merritt, and a proud and loving grandmother to Hunter, Kori, and Callan, who brought her endless joy. She is also survived by her brother Albert Gardner, his wife Lynda, and nephews Chad and Kyle. Karen earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Texas and dedicated 28 years of compassionate service as a nurse at Lyndon B.
Johnson (LBJ) Hospital in Houston. Nursing was more than a career—it was a calling that reflected her generous heart, strength, and unwavering care for others. In her personal life, Karen loved fishing, especially the peace of being on the water, as well as traveling and playing games with friends, where laughter was always guaranteed. She was a warm, lovely soul who lit up every room she walked into, leaving a lasting impression on everyone she met.
A celebration of Karen’s life will be held at 11am on Sunday, February 1st, 2026, at Sam Houston Memorial Funeral Home, located at 10129 FM 1097 Rd W, Willis, Texas 77318. The service will be followed by a brief graveside service, and then a reception, all taking place at the same location. Karen’s kindness, laughter, and love will live on in the hearts of her family and friends forever.
Together they raised a family that was the heart of her world. She was a devoted mother to Lisa Vrazel and Brad Gillingham and his wife Merritt, and a proud and loving grandmother to Hunter, Kori, and Callan, who brought her endless joy. She is also survived by her brother Albert Gardner, his wife Lynda, and nephews Chad and Kyle. Karen earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Texas and dedicated 28 years of compassionate service as a nurse at Lyndon B.
Johnson (LBJ) Hospital in Houston. Nursing was more than a career—it was a calling that reflected her generous heart, strength, and unwavering care for others. In her personal life, Karen loved fishing, especially the peace of being on the water, as well as traveling and playing games with friends, where laughter was always guaranteed. She was a warm, lovely soul who lit up every room she walked into, leaving a lasting impression on everyone she met.
A celebration of Karen’s life will be held at 11am on Sunday, February 1st, 2026, at Sam Houston Memorial Funeral Home, located at 10129 FM 1097 Rd W, Willis, Texas 77318. The service will be followed by a brief graveside service, and then a reception, all taking place at the same location. Karen’s kindness, laughter, and love will live on in the hearts of her family and friends forever.