Karen Renay Hood

Karen Barbour Hood, 55 years old, passed away Friday, October 20, 2023, at Wake Med Hospital surrounded by her family. Karen was born in Raleigh, NC on June 23, 1968, to Nancy Bunch Barbour and the late Bobby Ray Barbour.

Karen graduated from Garner Senior High School with the Class of 1986 and was a color guard for the marching band. Following high school, she attending Appalachian State University and graduated in 1991. In college she was a devoted Mountaineer and a member of Alpha Delta Pi sorority.

Karen’s proudest moments were becoming a mom to Jackson Thomas (1998) and Alexis Cole (2001). She also loved her time working for Coca-Cola and US Foods as a sales representative. Karen was an amazing decorator and could effortlessly make any room beautiful. She had gorgeous red hair and had the fierce and resilient personality that her red hair color is known for. Anyone who knew her could not deny her strength.

Karen was preceded in death by her father, Bobby Barbour. She is survived by her two children, Jackson Thomas Hood of Raleigh, NC and Alexis Cole Hood of Greenville, NC; her mother Nancy Barbour of Raleigh, NC; her sister Tracey Green and brother-in-law Chris Green of Fuquay Varina, NC; her niece Mary Elizabeth Green and nephew Ennis Green. She is also survived by many others that loved her including three stepchildren, aunts, uncles, cousins and her cat, Calliope.

A Celebration of Karen’s Life will be held Sunday, October 29, 2023, at the home of her mother, Nancy Barbour, 7009 Lake Wheeler Road, Raleigh, NC at 2:00pm. All are welcome to attend this time of remembrance.

In lieu of flowers contributions may be made in memory of Karen Barbour Hood to Owl’s Nest Recovery Addiction Treatment Center at 2528 W Palmetto Street, Florence, SC 29501.