Karen Bowzer completed this life on Saturday, June 19th, 2021, in Oklahoma City. She was the daughter of Merle and Fern Cartwright of Bartlesville, OK.

Karen was born and raised in Bartlesville. Following graduation from high school, she attended Oklahoma State University where she received a degree in Elementary Education. She began her teaching career, of over 20 years, in Stroud, OK and eventually came to Oklahoma City where she married Jerrold "Jerry" Bowzer on July 22, 1989, and continued her career as an elementary school teacher in Yukon Public Schools.

During her time teaching, Karen received numerous awards, including Ranchwood Elementary Teacher of the Year in 1990. She was also a member of the Beta Phi Chapter of the Delta Kappa Gamma Society of Women Educators.

In January 2000, Karen underwent transplant surgery to receive a kidney and pancreas. After this, she began her work as an ambassador for transplant awareness through speaking engagements for LifeShare of Oklahoma, speaking on OETA and traveling to sporting events associated with her transplant donor. Among awards she received was the Spirit of Oklahoma Award presented by the Oklahoma Donor Coalition.

Karen had a love for the Lord, music, and singing. Early during her time in Oklahoma City, she was a member of both the Council Road Baptist Church choir and ladies ensemble. She completed her life as a member of Quail Springs Baptist Church where she also was in the choir for many years.

Karen also had a love of travel and after receiving her transplants began a new mission to enjoy life and travel as much as possible. She explored locations across the United States with a special affinity to New England. She also enjoyed whale watching and counted Vancouver, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edwards Island as part of her favorite places to visit.

In addition to her husband of 31+ years, Jerry Bowzer; Karen is survived by her step-daughter, Joanna Bowzer (husband Nic) in Texas; her brother, Greg Cartwright and his wife Becca in Texas; her nephews, Sean, Trevor, and Landon Cartwright. She is also survived by many friends and former students.

A memorial service will be held at 10:30 AM, Friday, July 9, 2021 at Quail Springs Baptist Church, 14613 N. May Ave.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to LifeShare of Oklahoma, 4705 Northwest Expy, Oklahoma City, OK 73132. www.lifeshareoklahoma.org