Karen Besterman

Columbus, Georgia - Karen Joyce Besterman, age 74, passed away on July 4, 2023, in Columbus, Georgia.

She was born on July 19, 1948, in Phenix City, Alabama, to Joyce Owens and the late Watson Wright. She was later adopted by Neill Martin when Joyce married him. Karen embodied love. She was absolutely the most caring person you’ve ever met with a warm, welcoming smile. Genuinely interested in the lives of others, you felt her servant's heart when in her presence. She was thoughtful, compassionate, inquisitive, intelligent, funny, supportive, and beautiful, inside and out! To know her was to love her.

Karen was preceded in death by her husband, Carl Besterman; her step-daughter, Libby Brownlee; her birth, adopted and step fathers, as well as her maternal, paternal and adopted grandparents, in-laws and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.

Karen is survived by her loving family, beginning with her oldest son and daughter-in-law, James (J.O. or Dale) and Becky Manning of Columbus, GA and their children: Dale’s daughters: Hannah and Khloie Manning and Hannah’s son, Jace of Phenix City, AL; and Becky’s children: son and daughter-in-law, Cole and Morgan Hill of Columbus, GA; and daughter and son-in-law, Emily and Parker Eversman and their daughter, Berkeley Rose, of Columbus, GA.

Craig Manning is her youngest son and daughter-in-law, Leslie, live in Fortson, GA, along with their two sons, Cole and Nathan (Nate).

Karen’s step-daughter, Libby, passed away in 2021, leaving her husband, Steve Brownlee of Winder, GA, and their children: son and daughter-in-law, Derrick & Elizabeth Brownlee and their sons: Brooks, Beau, and Burns of St. Augustine, FL; and daughter and son-in-law, Mandy & Matt Merritt and their children: son, Jackson and daughter, Riley of Savannah, GA.

Karen’s mother, Joyce Owens and sister, Sherry Petty, now live in North Carolina along with Sherry’s youngest son and his family. Sherry’s older children and their families reside in Texas. Karen’s remaining siblings include brother and sister-in-law, Burley & Deb Wright of Columbus, GA and family; brother and sister-in-law, Glenn & Linda Wright of Kathleen, GA and family; sister and brother-in-law, Lynn and Randy Holk of Opelika, AL and family; sister, Dee Dee Wright of Opelika, AL; step-sister, Kim Lewis of Columbus, GA and family and step-brother and wife, Gene & Terri Owens of Ft. Oglethorpe, GA and family; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Karen attended both Arnold & Daniel Junior High Schools and graduated from Jordan Vocational High School. She continued her education at Columbus State University for two years. Karen's career at Blue Cross, Blue Shield of Columbus, GA included a myriad of roles and responsibilities, supporting the Subscriber Services group and various other assignments. She was a model employee and was known as the go-to person for solving problems. Karen worshipped at Northside Christian Church, and attended regularly, even after becoming ill.

In her free time, Karen enjoyed spending time with her family, reading, watching her sons and their children's ball games, solving puzzles like word scrambles and loving on her dog, Bud.

A memorial service to celebrate Karen's life will be held on Sunday, July 9th, 2023, at McMullen Funeral Home, located at 3874 Gentian Blvd, Columbus, GA 31907. Visitation will begin at 2pm EST, followed by the funeral service at 3 pm.

Contributions can be made to the Alzheimer's Association Columbus GA 2023 Walk To End Alzheimer's, supporting 'TeamKarenBesterman'. To make a contribution, please visit the following link: http://act.alz.org/goto/teamKarenBesterman.

Karen Joyce Besterman will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all who had the pleasure of knowing her. May her kind and loving spirit forever live on in our hearts.