Born: May 3, 1951

Died: February 10, 2011

Mrs. Karen Elizabeth Neal Whicker, 59, of Winston-Salem died Thursday, February 10, 2011 at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center. She was born on May 3, 1951 to Rebecca Moseley Neal (Kernersville) and the late Gilmer Ladd Neal, Jr. (Belews Creek). She dedicated over 25 years to educating children as a teacher of English, Reading and yearbook at Edgewood Christian, Walkertown Middle and Robert B. Glenn High Schools. She graduated with honors from Appalachian State University with both undergrad and masters degrees and remained devoted to her beloved alma mater. On June 5, 1971 she married Steven Wayne Whicker, her life long partner and best friend for 40 years who survives of the home. Also surviving are her children: Alan (Beth) Whicker of Winston-Salem, Stephanie (Patrick) Gray of Yadkinville, Beth (Korey) Smith of Winston-Salem; her grandchildren, her beloved treasures: Tanner, Kaley and Gracie Whicker; Sommer and Jaxson Gray; and Landon and Karly Smith; her mother-in-law, Lavelle Whicker and brother-in-laws, Randy (Dana) and nephews, Adam and Drew, Tim (Karen) and niece, Tori, and Jimmy (Sara) and nephew Drake, and Kim Whicker. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to Brenner's Children Hospital, Child Life Department, Medical Center Blvd., Winston-Salem, NC 27157. Salem Funeral Home is assisting the Whicker family. Online condolences may be made through www.salemfh.com.