MRS. KAREN RENEE GARNER M.S. CCC-SLP, 53 years old, born August 3, 1967 passed January 14, 2021 after a five year battle with ovarian cancer. She is preceded in death by her father James Garner. She is survived by her mother Janet Garner of Vestavia Hills, AL., her brother Mark Garner of Arcadia, FL., Her Wife D’Anne (Dee) Scott of Birmingham and sister-in-law Lisa Allen of Birmingham. Karen (having been adopted) was lucky to discover her birth families just in the last few years. She leaves behind too many to name individually, sisters, brothers, cousins, nieces and nephews.  

Karen grew up in Fort Pierce, FL and moved to Birmingham in 1997 to work as a medical Speech Pathologist. Having graduated from Florida State University, and achieving her Master’s degree at Nova Southeastern University in Miami, FL.

She worked for Restore Therapy Services nearly the whole time she was in Birmingham. She prided herself in always advocating for her patients, treating them with dignity and respect, caring for them as if they were all close family. She used unique therapy techniques to achieve success with her patients… Stroke victims, Dementia & Alzheimer’s patients, & patients with swallowing disorders.

She made friends easily, and brightened any room she entered, always smiling and laughing.  She may be the only person I’ve ever known that accepted everyone exactly as they are.  She didn’t care where you were from, the color of your skin, your religious beliefs, your age, your status or background.  She just loved and accepted…period.  She brought light, color, art, giggles, and her unique point of view to every situation.

Karen was a true warrior in her battle against ovarian cancer. She was seen at St. Vincent's Birmingham Bruno Cancer Center, M.D. Anderson in Houston, TX, and lastly at UAB’s Comprehensive Cancer Center. We would like to thank all the medical staff at each facility.  In particular, Dr. Mack Barnes, Dr. Cara Bondly, Dr. Larissa A. Meyer and Dr. Warner Huh.

Over the five years she battled cancer, she endured approximately 10 different types of chemo treatments along with multiple surgeries. Lost her hair 3 times, developed neuropathy in her feet and legs… But her upbeat personality didn’t allow her to complain or whine… in fact she usually would encourage others going through the same treatments not to give up.

So in lieu of flowers, Karen requested that donations be made either to the Laura Crandall Brown Foundation For support of GYN Cancer, Research, Awareness & Support at https://www.thinkoflaura.org/

Or Karen was a lover of all things furry and four legged, especially dogs. So a donation to Two by Two Rescue would also be a lovely tribute to Karen. https://twobytworescue.com/

We are planning to have a celebration of life gathering hopefully in May, possibly at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens.  It will be socially distanced and masks required.  Once arrangements have been made, an announcement will be made on Facebook.

Professional services entrusted to W.E. Lusain Funeral Home of Birmingham, AL.