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Estes, Karen Jo

November 21, 1948 –
 December 16, 2016

Obituary

Karen Jo Estes, age 68, Dallas resident, died peacefully on December 16, 2016.   Karen was born November 21, 1948, in Dimmitt, Texas, to Genevieve Juliu Estes and Robert Edward Estes. She attended Dimmitt and Lubbock schools, graduated from Bovina High School and followed by graduation from college at Texas Tech University in Lubbock.  Karen was a gifted artist, teacher and social worker before she found her real passion as advocate and leader during the AIDS crisis in the 80’s and 90’s.  She served in various leadership roles including interim co-director of the AIDS Resource Center, now Resource Center, Dallas. Karen Estes was a tireless straight ally and advocate for the LGBT community.  She first became involved when former Dallas Gay Alliance (now DGLA), president Bill Nelson ran for Dallas City council in 1986. She became more active following Nelson’s subsequent election loss. During Nelson’s, and his partner Terry Tebedo’s illnesses, she became an even stronger advocate for HIV issues and volunteered for the DGA. Karen Estes was instrumental in the renovation of the Center’s campus at 2701 Reagan (now the Center’s Simmons Health campus) after its purchase from the Metropolitan Community Church of Dallas (now Cathedral of Hope). Working with architects and contractors, she managed the construction schedule and transitioned from a volunteer position to paid Center staff during John Thomas’ tenure as executive director. Following Thomas’ departure in 1997, Karen Estes became a co-director of the Center with Jamie Schield. (Excerpts from article by the Resource Center.) Karen is survived by a legion of friends, the value of whom is immeasurable. Family survivors include sister Kathy Estes Johnstone and husband Stephen, sister Ka Estes Cotter and husband L.L., sister Betty Conklin Johnson, nephews Walter Johnstone and Brandon Cotter, and niece Leslie Cotter McCabe, and seven great nieces and nephews. We mourn her loss, but are thankful for her comfort. The family wishes to kindly thank the nursing staff and doctors of Medical Center of Plano. Burial will be in Dimmitt, Texas. A private service will be held in early 2017.  Memorials for Karen Estes may be made to the Resource Center Dallas www.rcdallas.org or to a charity of your choice. Arrangements are under the direction of ARIA Cremation Service and Funeral Home 19310 Preston Road Dallas, Texas 75252 214-306-6700  

    Frances Shull
    21 Dec 2016
    1:00pm

    I met Karen when I started to work for the State in the late 1970s. She was a great mentor and friend for many years. I lost contact with her but have thought about her a million times. My heart melted when I saw the name and age in the Dallas Morning news today. RIP Karen.

    DICK WEAVER
    21 Dec 2016
    6:17pm

    Was I ever shocked being told of the passing of Karen. A true friend to all it seems she would always be there for all of us.

    Harry Nixon
    25 Dec 2016
    5:30pm

    I too knew Karen from our time as caseworkers with the state in the 70’s – we were part of a group that ran and partied together. One of the most delightful people I ever knew, RIP Karen.

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Testimonials

R. Driver
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"Excellent customer service, they made you feel like you were their only customer. Very helpful and explained what we should expect during the process. They basically took care of our needs during this time. They contacted DFW National Cemetery for us which made it a smooth experience. Definitely will use them again."
K. Barker
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"I was amazed how professional the team at Aria Funeral Preston Dallas Texas are. They guided me through the process and my options of their services that they offered for my mother. They are compassionate, caring, calm, good listener, efficient and did an excellent job! Thank you!"
R. Woll
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"If I could give 6 stars I would. Aria made a difficult easier to deal with by basically taking care of everything in an efficient but very empathetic manner. I can speak highly enough of Dusty Martin, who helped us with all of the planning and logistics. He was incredibly understanding and helpful."
Angel M.
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"Nothing prepares you for the grief you go through when losing a child. I called this funeral home at 2:00 am broken and could barely talk. The amount of compassion and empathy they showed me immediately let me know I found the right place to cremate my son. I cannot thank them enough for their professionalism, SINCERE concern, and commitment to making sure my son was honored in the most respectful way. I hope this Funeral home values her as much as my family and I do."
McGee Family
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"Wayne and Staff, thank you for taking care of the arrangements for our mom, Exter McGee and our dad, Philip McGee. You have been great to work with during such a difficult time."
Elledge Family
Elledge Family
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"On behalf of my family, I wanted you to know how much we appreciate your handling of my husband's final arrangements. Wayne Baxter assisted & guided us through the entire process with such care & compassion. Don't know what we would have done without him! Sincerely, Colleen Elledge"
The Peterson Family
The Peterson FamilyYelp! Review - Northwest Highway 5-Stars
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"I can’t say enough about how helpful and professional Dusty Martin, the funeral director at the Aria Cremation location on NW Highway has been. From my initial call, he was kind and informative. My friend died at home while on hospice and she was picked up in about an hour after receiving the call from the hospice nurse. The person who arrived to pick her up was also very professional/respectful and allowed us to take as much time with her as we wished. When I met with Dusty the next day about arrangements, he explained the process and options available without being pushy or trying to “sell” extras. Throughout the process, he kept me informed and, for example, was careful to be certain I understood the cost of the obituary I wanted and offered some options for reducing that cost if I wished. When I stopped by for another reason and started talking about some of the problems I was having with the pictures and media I hoped to use at a memorial lunch I was planning, he not only listened patiently but offered technology advice and let me use his personal media player. I have had experience arranging cremations for four others using two other local companies, and this experience with Dusty at Aria has been by far the best one I have had."
Paula Barnes
Paula BarnesGoogle Review
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"My Daddy’s service and our family experience at Aria Northwest Highway was truly blessed. Funeral Director Dustin Martin is the kind of person that you would like to see on a more regular basis – but in his industry – you hope to not see him that often. That being said – THANK YOU DUSTIN for your unending kindness, compassion and friendship through the process. Meeting you and discussing Dallas History, Find A Grave and my Dad’s lifelong contributions to the great City of Dallas was simply wonderful! In memory of my dad James A. Dodd, Sr. – I want to personally thank you and let you know that you made everything better in that moment. Your calling to “Be There” is spot on. Aria has a one in a million guy in you! Bling Blinky of TEXAS Shout Out: God Bless You!!"
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Important Information

  1. If death has occurred and or is imminent, please call the Aria location nearest you.

    PRESTON ROAD
    214.306.6700

    NORTHWEST HIGHWAY
    214.340.8008

    BELTLINE ROAD
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  2. Click here to Download the Cremation Forms.
  3. Have the cremation authorization form notarized
  4. Fax the forms back to us at:
    • NW Highway
      214-340-8009
    • Preston Rd.
      972-526-7410
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      972-573-1008
 

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