Karen Yvonne Poe Blevins, age 59, of Whitetop, Virginia passed away on the morning of June 22, 2026, at the Valley Health and Rehabilitation Center in Chilhowie, Virginia following an extended illness of several years.  She was born in Ashe County on November 29, 1966, to Vance Poe and Ethel Payne Poe.  Karen was a devoted Christian who often found comfort in Matthew 11:28 (NIV), "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest."  All who knew and loved her are greatly comforted in knowing that she has finally gained her rest following a 12-year battle with cancer.  Karen will be remembered as one who had an unique devotion to all animals and to all of God's magnificent creation. She also was and avid reader.  She delighted in being a mother to her son, who was her greatest joy.  She loved going the movie theater with him and attended as often as they could.  She was a devoted and loving daughter, who enjoyed working alongside her mother assisting in any way that she could.  As a person of great faith, Karen often expressed her desire to go home in recent months.  As she took her final breaths, she rejoiced in the words of 2nd Timothy, 4:7, "I have fought the good fight.  I have finished the race. I have kept my faith."  Karen's life was based on a creed of honesty and simplicity.  She lived in service to the Lord, and in her passing, she would leave the following counsel to all her family and friends, "Finally my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might." Ephesians 6:10. Karen's favorite quote was "Keep calm and let God handle it." For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:16

She was preceded in death by her father, Vance Poe and is survived by mother, Ethel Poe of Whitetop, VA; her son, Keith Blevins of Whitetop, VA;  two sisters, Michelle Poe of Lansing, NC and Shelia Poe of North Wilkesboro, NC; one brother, Greg Poe of Whitetop, VA; two nieces and great nephews also survive.

While all services for Karen will be private, she connected in a special way to Psalm 104.  Each person who knew and loved her has been asked to find a quite moment and read this scripture in Karen's memory.

Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home in Independence, VA is serving the Blevins family.