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In memory of

Karen Dukes Brice

Austin, TX, USA

September 22, 1961 - June 1, 2020

Sep 22, 1961 - Jun 1, 2020

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Karen Dukes Brice, age 58, passed away peacefully on June 1, 2020 at her home surrounded by her loving family, concluding her long-fought battle against metastatic breast cancer. She was born September 22, 1961 in El Paso, Texas to Robert and Elizabeth Dukes. Karen was raised in San Antonio, Texas, where she graduated from Judson High School and then eventually met her husband, Marvin Brice at Randolph Airforce Base in 1980. They moved to Florida in 1982, where they were stationed at Homestead Airforce Base. In 1985, they relocated and settled in Austin, Texas where they had their only child, Brandon, a year later.

She accepted Christ at an early age. She was actively involved in church activities – i.e, child and youth ministries, and has been a faithful member of her current church, East Nineteenth Street Missionary Baptist Church, since 1993. She served in multiple ministries, including the greeters and youth, as well as assisting the hospitality committee – always willing to lend a helping hand whenever or wherever needed.

She was also an active member of her community, specifically the breast cancer community, after being diagnosed in 2012. When diagnosed, she did not labor over why this was happening to her, but instead focused on how she could leverage her journey to encourage others. She created and fundraised for “Team Brice”, which participated in the annual Susan G. Komen Race For the Cure as well as the American Cancer Society Relay for Life, as part of the 19th Street Spirit Walkers. More recently, she has served as President of the Austin Chapter of Sisters Network® Inc. since 2017. She never shied away from an opportunity to use her story to motivate others, whether during a personal conversation with survivors, or at numerous speaking engagements. Such engagements included the Susan G. Komen Circle of Promise; Sisters Network Candace Scott Tea; and at various churches, focusing primarily on supporting African American women through their breast cancer journey.

She began her career as a travel agent in San Antonio and eventually became the Director of Leisure Travel for Accent American Express in Austin. She enjoyed helping clients and friends with their travel needs as well as planning her own vacations to various destinations with Marvin. Karen recently retired in May 2020 after spending forty years in this industry.

Karen was very passionate about her family and was always at the center of the family get-togethers near or far. She was the all-around event planner, ring-master and organizer, regardless of whether it was her event or not… the quintessential H.L.I.C. (Head Lady In Charge)! She had a special bond with her nieces and nephews and was considered the “favorite Auntie”. She was the life of the party and never turned down an opportunity to enjoy one of her many favorite jazz or R&B artists in concert.

Karen was preceded in death by her father, Robert Dukes, Sr. and her brother Robert (Bob) Dukes Jr. She is survived by her loving husband of 38 years, Marvin Brice; son Brandon Brice (Regina); mother Elizabeth Dukes; sisters Gwendolyn Haynes (Ray), Lori Zone (James), and Jacqueline Ingram (Derrick); grandson Aiden Brice; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

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