Karen Crooks

Karen Crooks was born April 8, 1952, in Austin, Texas to parents Forrest and Joan Witter. She passed away September 10, 2026, in Plano, Texas.

Karen will always be remembered as a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, and a woman of deep faith. She embraced life with curiosity, creativity, and a unique appreciation for the beauty she saw in the world around her. She was born and raised in Austin, Texas, but spent the last 40 years of her life in the Dallas area.

She is survived by her husband John Crooks, her children, Nicole and Brooke Collins, stepchildren Julie Chisum and Gregory Crooks and their spouses Mike Chisum and Alicia Crooks, grandson Tyler Barnett, step-grandchildren Connor, Katelyn and Kamryn Chisum, and Cora, Halle and Asher Crooks. She is preceded in death by her mother Joan Gaines, her brother Scott Witter, and her grandparents Flora and Scott Gaines.

Karen’s deep catholic faith provided her with strength, comfort, and guiding foundation throughout her life. A member of St Rita Catholic Community, she was active in Bible Study Groups and was an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion to the Sick and Homebound.

She had a deep love of art inspired by her mother who was an accomplished artist. In her later years, Karen pursued her own artistry in the form of pencil drawings and watercolor paintings. Her passion was finding joy and meaning in the artwork she created. Her talent was a clear reflection of her mother, carrying forward a love of art from one generation to the next.

Karen and her husband John enjoyed fine dining in the best restaurants and at home in their kitchen. She was a true foodie who loved cooking elaborate meals and enjoying them with family and friends.

Her curiosity inspired her to seek out and appreciate multiple countries, cultures, and traditions. While she loved traveling, she had a particular affection for French Culture and the intricacies of the French Language.

Above all, Karen was a beloved family member. Her memory will live on in the people she loved and the beauty she created, the meals she prepared, the places she explored, and the faith she carried throughout her life. Her family will forever cherish the extraordinary woman she was and the lasting mark she left on their lives.

There will be a mass celebrated for Karen’s life at 11:30 a.m., Friday, September 25, 2026, at St. Rita Catholic Community, Dallas, Texas.

She will be laid to rest at Garden of Memories Cemetery in Kerrville, Texas.