Karen Audrey Cleven

Mrs. Karen Audrey Cleven, age 77 of Nebo, passed away after complications from a stroke at CarePartners Hospice Solace Center in Asheville, on Friday, July 19, 2019. The daughter of the late Paul Cleven and Audrey Hansen, she was born on June 17, 1942.

Mrs. Cleven obtained her undergraduate Bachelor of Science degree from the university of Madison, in Madison Wisconsin. She achieved her master’s degree in nursing and her nurse practitioner’s license at Barry University in Miami, Florida. She practiced as a registered nurse for twenty-five years followed by serving as a licensed nurse practitioner for 20 years. Karen had a passion for emergency medicine and became the ER Nurse manager at AMI Palmetto Hospital in Miami Florida. She was runner up nominee for the federal employee of the year through her achievements in the area of medical research. Karen’s nursing career in North Carolina included her time serving at the VA hospital and her service in the areas of adult primary care and as a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Burke, Buncombe and Rutherford counties.

Outside of medicine, Karen’s life included obtaining her pilots license in 1968. Karen generously gave to numerous charities with a large portion of her support going to animal rescue programs, endangered species concerns and environmental protection. Karen, always had a dog and was especially fond of black labs. She also loved horses and had a prize-winning Tennessee Walker.

Karen was confined to a wheelchair from a stroke in 2008, but was courageous in her life, adjusting to her severe disability. She remained at home and was cared for by her husband, John. She lived with her disability for ten years but always demonstrated resilience, faith and love for others.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her twin brother, Carl Cleven.

Left to cherish her memory are her husband, John Payne, sister-in-law Cathy Cleven, and niece Kris Cleven.

At this time, no services are planned.

Memorial donations in Karen’s honor can be made to the Asheville Humane Society at 16 Forever Friend Lane, Asheville, North Carolina 28806, or to the Delta Society, 345 118 Ave SE, Bellevue, Washington 98005.