Karen Nolan Bell, 70, born on January 18, 1954, passed away peacefully on February 10, 2024, surrounded by her loving family.

A devoted mother and friend, Karen always put the needs of others before her own.  With a soul full of JOY, Karen lead a life full of art, music, writing, and fellowship.

From coal-mining town Harlan, KY, to bustling New York City where she sang at Carnegie Hall, across many different homes around the country, Karen was constantly writing, and her stories are included in several anthologies.  Eventually, her talents brought her to the Hindman Appalachian Writers' Workshop, an exclusive invitation-only seminar - even before she had published her first book!  Encouraged by the workshop and the incredible friends she met over the years in church or in other writing classes, Karen published her book, Above the Fog, in 2018.

Karen is preceded in death by her parents; Alberto and Gertrude Nolan, and her brother, Larry Adkins.

Karen is survived by her "Awesome Son" Stephen, and his wife, "Sweetie" Theresa; sister, Tammy Nolan-Bailey, and several beloved cousins and extended family. She will be dearly missed and forever remembered for her JOYful nature, her delight in good times with those she loved, and her enduring and unwavering faith through her hardships.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, March 23, 2024 from 2 – 3 p.m. at Mount Pleasant Funeral Home in Harlan, KY.  A memorial service will follow at 3 p.m.

She was loved everywhere she went, and even in several places she'd never visited, so the service will be streamed online for all who loved her to attend.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Salvation Army in memory of Karen.

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