Karen Lynette Hlozek

Mrs. Karen Lynette Hlozek was born in Houston, Texas on August 15, 1960 to Mr. Howard Byers & Mrs. Madeline Byers Wilkerson. She was the youngest of three children; preceded in birth by elder brothers Gene and Larry Byers. She was raised in north Houston where she attended Sam Houston High School (class of '78) and was an active member of Future Farmers of America (FFA) by way of raising a lamb. During her time at Sam Houston High School, Karen casually met the love of her life James Allen Hlozek in April of 1977 at sixteen years of age. Karen embarked on a lifelong journey with her best friend and ultimately took James' hand in marriage on April 17, 1982. Karen gave birth in Houston, TX to her only child Julie Lynn Hlozek on July 27, 1987 whom she loved whole heartedly. The Hlozek family of three settled down on the outskirts of Huntsville, TX in a home on a couple of acres in the woods. Karen worked in financial institutions over the years and worked for her final employer, Sam Houston State University, for several years. While Karen never officially became a Bearkat, she embraced the culture and friends that she made at Sam. Karen's full heart loved spending time with family and friends, especially their children as they came through the years. Karen enjoyed spending time with those family and friends at Guadalupe River or Louisiana casino trips. She also loved dancing with James anywhere the mood struck or a good song was playing, even a Denny's parking lot. Karen lived life with a big heart but was not afraid to tell it like is and tell you what was on her mind. Karen was blessed to embrace the love of family and friends in her final weeks while she lost a hard-fought battle with cancer. Karen is survived by her loving husband James of thirty seven years and her beautiful daughter Julie. Mother Madeline Wilkerson Brother Gene Byers, Brother and Sister in laws, Nieces and nephews numerous friends. Karen is preceded in death by father Howard Byers, step-father O. Wayne Wilkerson, brother Larry Byers, and mother in law Joann Hlozek. Special thanks to friend, neighbor, and caregiver Debbie Birdwell Visitation will be Wednesday August 21, 2019 4-7PM at Sam Houston Memorial Funeral Home with Rosary beginning at 7:00pm. A Catholic Mass will be Thursday, August 22, 2019 11:00am at Sam Houston Memorial Funeral Home. Interment will be at Mayes Addition of Oakwood Cemetery.

Karen Lynette Hlozek

August 15, 1960 - August 16, 2019