Karen Lea Ayers, of Salem, Virginia, passed away peacefully on Friday, February 17, 2023 at the age of 58. She was born in Washington DC on May 12, 1964 to the late Otey Clarence Ayers and Edith P. Adkins Barnett. She also preceded in death by her brother, Jerry Barnett. She retired after many dedicated years of service as a Chef in the Roanoke City Public Schools. 

Karen was a heck of a cook, a loving mother one of the strongest women ever alive. She loved her family and her grandchildren to the moon and back but she was a little Tasmanian devil. She was hard working and loved the beach and camping. Karen was a very caring person, she loved spending time outside working in the garden and planting flowers.

Karen's legacy and memories will be forever cherished by her loving children, Rebecca Ashby and her children, Logan, Kayleigh, and Taylor Brown, Brianna, McKenna, and Jacinna Mitchell and Brayden Parkey; son, Joseph Ashby and his children, Elice Ashby and Arabella Riddle; sisters, Patricia Barnett, Donna Golden, Bonnie Bailey and Diane Kidd; brother, Ron Barnett; nephew and his spouse, Shane Blankenship and Crystal Dunn; her dog, Odit; also lots of other nieces and nephews.

A service celebrating the wonderful life of Karen Lee Ayers will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 25, 2023 with Pastor Butch Hammed officiating. The family will receive friends beginning at 12 noon at Oakey's Roanoke Chapel.