Karen Levins

Karen Levins was born on August 17, 1952, to the late Sam and Rosa Lee Wiley Holt, and from the very beginning, she carried a light that would touch countless lives. A proud graduate of Crestview High School, Class of 1971, she walked forward with a quiet strength and a joyful spirit that never left her. Karen devoted many years of faithful service to both Newhope Industries and Winchester Terrace Nursing Home before retiring, but “retirement” never quite fit her. She lived fully present in every moment, engaged with every person, and always ready with a warm smile or a kind word. To know Karen was to experience a kind of genuine care that made you feel seen, valued, and just a little bit better than before. Her faith was a steady foundation in her life. As a devoted member of Greater St. John Church of God in Christ (Oasis of Love), Karen poured herself into the life of the church. Whether working with the Sunshine Band youth, lifting her voice in the choir, or simply showing up with her signature warmth, she brought life and love into every space she entered. Even prior to the complications she faced with diabetes, Karen made a personal commitment to Faith Temple Church of God in Christ assisting wherever she could, serving with the same quiet dedication and willing heart that defined her life. Karen had a gift for people. She loved to laugh, loved to gather, and had a natural way of drawing others in. There was something about her presence that was easy, joyful, and sincere that made you want to stay a little longer. She LOVED to laugh–and to make you laugh. That signature humor will never be forgotten. She didn’t just meet people; she connected with them. And more often than not, she left them better than she found them. Karen lived life to the fullest, not in grand gestures, but in everyday kindness, shared laughter, and unwavering love. Deeply rooted in her village, she was cherished by her children and grandchildren, family, friends and neighbors, and all who had the blessing of crossing her path. Karen’s life is a beautiful reminder that joy, faith, and love freely given can leave a lasting imprint. And though she is deeply missed, the light she carried continues to shine in the lives she touched Married to the love of her life, the late Samuel Theodore Levins, their union gave them Camille Nikoya, Marshall DeAndre, and Sequoia Tillea Levins; 10 grandsons and 3 granddaughters and 2 great-grandsons: Tajhrreil Fuller, TreQaun, TreVeon, and Trestan Manns; Marshall DeAndre II, Alijah, Rashid, Sameah, Prince and Paisley Levins; Avery and Kaden Brown; Princeton White and Uriah Levins; Tomara Mapp, and her goddaughters Octavia Barrett, Tamika Chapman, Amya Harris, and bonus grandson, Krysen Harris, bonus daughter and caregiver, Elder Shané T. A. Williams. Mother Karen Holt Levins was preceded in death by her parents, Samuel and Rosa Lee Holt, Sr., her siblings Jean Harlow, Barbara Ann Holt, Samuel Holt, Jr., Louise Holt Eatmon, and Myrtle Holt Boone. She leaves to cherish a lifetime of memories with her children, grandchildren, and baby brother, Timothy Titus Holt, Sr (Debra) Holt, and a host of nieces and nephews, family and friends The services will be held Friday, April 3, 2026, 11 am, with one-hour prior calling to the services, at Oasis of Love, 190 Chester Ave., Mansfield, Ohio, with Pastor William Jordan officiating. The Committal Services will follow the services. The family has entrusted Small's Funeral Services with the arrangements.

Karen Levins

August 17, 1952 - March 22, 2026