Karen E. Thomas

Karen E. Thomas CRNP, 68, of Washington, W.Va., passed away March 7, 2012 at Riverside Hospital in Columbus, Ohio.Karen was a Woman's Health Nurse Practitioner practicing for over 30 years in the Parkersburg, W.Va. area. She spearheaded the project that led to the women of the Mid-Ohio Valley having greater access to mammograms. She worked at Gynecology Associates, Mid-Ohio Valley Health Department, and Planned Parenthood during her career. She also taught for some of the pharmaceutical companies, getting health providers up to date on new devices. She was a leader in Women's Health for her entire career and served on the national board of NANPWH (National Association of Nurse Practitioners-Women's Health)which helps to guide health care to women. She was also one of the first Nurse Colposcopist in West Virginia and trained many nurse practitioners in the valley in Women's Health.Karen was very active in the New England Baptist Church and worked tirelessly at what ever was needed. She gave generously of her time and talents. She loved to cross stitch, sew, crafts and reading.She is survived by her loving husband, Charles Leon Thomas and their six children, Sandra (Troy) McQueen, Wil (Mendy) Helmick, Dave (Sherry) Thomas, Tim (Karen) Thomas, John (Kellie)Thomas, Paul (Kayo) Thomas; three sisters, Shirley Robinson (Charles), Rebecca Eaton, and Deborah Shields; sister-in-law, Wanda Watson; 13 grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.She was preceded in death by her mother, Ruth Watson; father, Joe Watson; her first husband, Earl G. Helmick; brother, Paul Watson; and granddaughter, Emily Spencer.The funeral service will be conducted 2:00 p.m. Sunday, March 11, 2012 with Pastor Roger Johnson and Pastor Timothy Thomas officiating. Viewing will be 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Saturday at Lambert Tatman Funeral Home, 400 Green Street, Parkersburg, W.Va. Memorials can be sent to ACS Relay for Life “Paul's Camp” or emilyspencermemorialfoundation.org