Karen Pate Utt

UTT, Karen Pate, 67, of Powhatan, passed away on September 9, 2024, surrounded by loved ones after a brief illness to be with the Lord. She was born in Richmond, Va. on November 13, 1956. She is survived by her husband of 47 years, Edwin D. Utt; two children, Jeremy B. Utt and his wife, Amanda Utt, of Stafford, Va., and Laura U. Caison, and her husband, Justin Caison, of Amelia, Va.; two grandchildren, Isabella J. Caison and Alexander D. Caison; her brother, William B. Pate, Jr., of Houston, Tx.; and a host of nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by two infant sons, a stillborn and Christopher D. Utt. She was an active member of May Memorial Baptist Church, where she sang in the choir and participated in the Books and Banter book club and the Rachel Circle for church ladies. She was previously a member of Powhatan United Methodist Church, where she sang in the choir and served in various roles, including President of the United Methodist Women and member of the Preschool Board. She also sang in the choir of Pinehurst Baptist Church in Richmond, Va., the church in which she was raised and was married. From 1987-1996, she was a member of the GFWC Powhatan Junior Woman’s Club, Inc., in which she served in various capacities, receiving the New Member Award in 1988 and the Elizabeth F. Jones Clubwoman of the Year Award in 1995. She was also a member of The Huguenot Society of the Founders of Manakin in the Colony of Virginia. Mrs. Utt worked for the Powhatan County Public Schools for 25 years, where she served in various roles at Powhatan Elementary School, including Kindergarten Assistant, Instructional Assistant for 3rd Grade, Remedial Math Assistant, and Title 1 Assistant. She enjoyed spending time with her family, reading, traveling, and church activities. A visitation will be held Thursday, September 19 from 6 p.m. - 8 p.m. in the Bennett & Barden Funeral Home. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, September 21 at May Memorial Baptist Church at 11 a.m. Interment at Powhatan Community Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to May Memorial Baptist Church, The Blessed Sacrament Huguenot School, The Arthritis Foundation, or a charity of your choice.