Karla Mae Jacobus, aged 58, peacefully went to be with her Lord at her home in Cary, North Carolina, on January 6, 2018. Born and raised in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Karla graduated from East Grand Rapids High School (1977), graduated with honors from Duke University School of Nursing (BSN 1981) in Durham, North Carolina, and completed an MSN in Medical Surgical Nursing from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor (1985).
Karla began her professional nursing career at Butterworth Hospital in Grand Rapids as a staff nurse in the Intensive Care Unit. She was employed as a Faculty Instructor for the Hope-Calvin School of Nursing Program (1985-87). Karla also served as Staff Development Instructor at Butterworth in the Medical ICU (1987-1990).
Karla eventually heeded the call to return to the Research Triangle Park in North Carolina, where she lived until her passing. While in Cary, Karla was employed by several pharmaceutical companies, involved in product development. She worked in drug development for Adult ARDS, Cystic Fibrosis and Juvenile Diabetes, among other health conditions. She also traveled internationally to set up and monitor clinical drug trials for medications. Karla was employed as a Clinical Research Scientist at Burroughs Wellcome (1990-1995), as a Manager, Clinical Operations, at Inspire Pharmaceuticals (1995-1998), and, as Director and Senior Director of Global Product Development and in Medical Communications at PPD, Inc, (1998-2018).
Karla had many unique interests. She joined the Fellowship of Christian Athletes at Duke and she remained active (including Myrtle Beach get-togethers). After the successful removal of an acoustic neuroma brain tumor, Karla became very involved in a support group devoted to the treatment of this condition. She later served on the National Acoustic Neuroma Association Board for many years, most recently as President. Karla was also a member of the Duke Nursing Alumni Council.
Karla loved her church community at Peace Presbyterian Church, knitting new creations with her friends at Downtown Knits, enjoyed a good cup of Muddy Dog coffee, looked forward to weekly visits to the Farmers' Market, participated in regular book and biking clubs, enjoyed the Summer Concert Series, and loved cheering on her Carolina Hurricanes.
Karla enjoyed cooking, family pets, reading, gardening, exercising/training, and many outdoor activities, including skiing. She was passionate about experiencing life with her cul-de-sac friends and family and was dedicated to sharing the accomplishments of her nieces and nephews, especially high school and college graduations. Karla loved traveling, especially family destinations in Traverse City, Michigan, Naples, Florida, and Newaygo, Michigan (Kimball Lake). Karla had a contagious enthusiasm for life, was quick to smile and laugh, was always up for an adventure, and was very generous with friends and family.
Karla was preceded in death by her brother, Colin Roy Jacobus. She is survived by her parents, Phillip and Cherry Jacobus of Grand Rapids, Michigan, her sister, Karen Baxter of Grand Rapids, and her children, Casey Baxter Wilson (Ronny) and Matt Baxter, her sister Kristen Heckendorn (Steve) of Boise, Idaho, and their children Kate, James, and Grace, and her brother Paul Jacobus (Cindy), Gillian Young, and Graham Young, and her beloved furry friends, Tarzan and Tinkerbell.
Sparkle on, Karla!
A celebration of Karla's life will take place at: Peace Presbyterian Church, 1777 West Chatham St, in Cary, North Carolina, on January 20, at 11:00 a.m., preceded by a visitation from 9:30-10:30, and a reception following the service.
A second celebration of Karla's life will take place at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Grand Rapids on February 3, at 11:00 a.m., preceded by a visitation from 9:30-10:30, and a reception following the service.
Donations can be made in Karla's honor to:
The Acoustic Neuroma Association (www.ANAUSA.org)
Peace Presbyterian Church (www.PeacePCA.org/give),
Camp Henry Scholarship Fund (Camp Henry.org)
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Brown-Wynne Funeral Home.
January 31, 2018
Larry Snyder
Phil and Cherry:
So sorry to learn of Karla's passing. She certainly lived a full and active life. Know that Mary Ann and I are thinking of you in this difficult time. May peace be with her.
January 30, 2018
Helen Fairbanks Graham
Sending prayers and support during a difficult time. So wonderful to read of all that Karla pursued, how she contributed through her passions and all that she enjoyed. Love to the entire family. Helen Fairbanks Graham
January 29, 2018
Dave Andre
Karla is one of my best memories from Camp Henry, many years ago. Her kindness and patience as a counselor made camp a wonderful place for kids. God bless you Karla.
January 28, 2018
Teacher
Bert Froysland
So sorry. She was one of those students whom a teacher thanks God
for and never forgets. Oh my, such a loss!
January 28, 2018
Diane Rexford
May God bless the family. Had the pleasure of calling Karla my friend. Worked together at Butterworth MICU. Diane Rexford
January 28, 2018
Carline Harris
January 28, 2018
Good memories at Westminster. Wishing your family peace. Nancy Ayers
January 27, 2018
Lori Mann (Heyboer)
I am so sorry to hear of Karla's passing. My wonderful memory is of the crazy days as Young Life leaders so many years ago. Your joy and laughter will always be my memory. May God bless your family with comfort and peace.
January 27, 2018
Alice Dodgson
Dear friends....I was so sad to hear the news about Karla. My sympathy and love to all of you, fondly, Alice
January 24, 2018
Ann Marie and Jim Zagzebski
January 12, 2018
To Karla's family and friends. We are sad to hear of Karla's passing. We did not know Karla well, but when we visited family in the cul-de-sac she had a warm smile, friendly wave and when possible, conversation. Her garden was beautiful and her large rosemary plant amazing! We will miss her.
January 24, 2018
John Baguley
Farewell Karla and Godspeed your journey to heaven. Such a kind and sweet person so rare, I only had the chance to know a younger Karla in high school but through the friendship between my sister Leigh and Karla's sister Kristen, I was treated to occasional updates through the years. I wish we would have had the chance to catch up before now, well, heaven waits now just for one of us.
January 20, 2018
Ed Pattishall
On the day of the celebration of her life, I am thinking of Karla. What a life to celebrate! Karla was full of energy, had many different interests, and impacted so many lives. We worked together many years ago at Burroughs Wellcome, but kept in touch - primarily through our occasional lunches, which I will truly miss. My sincere condolences go to her family and other friends. She will be missed.
January 20, 2018
Pete Neal
You meet many people in this life. Thinking back to when i first met Karla I'll have to say "I liked her, from the very start, I liked her".
January 19, 2018
Carolee Poythress
Karla Tuesday mornings are not the same , we have met in my garage for what you called it your tough girl workouts ( kick box, strength,balance training and stretching ) you were not only my client for 11 years this march you were my dear friend that I will greatly miss . You were a inspiration to us all, you were just so full of life . My dear friend Karla you will be greatly missed by so many .
xoxo Carolee Poythress
January 18, 2018
Jeannie Newman
I met Karla through book club. I always loved her wit and insight, and it was always great to see the wonderful and unique jewelry she wore. This past year, we found out that we have mutual friends and had been planning to all get together. I'm so sorry that won't happen now, and we will really miss her at book club. Sending prayers to her friends and family. I'm so thankful I got to meet wonderful Karla.
January 17, 2018
Pat Flynn
I was fortunate enough to meet Karla about twenty years ago at Summerfest Symphony performances at Regency Park. She shared my love of music. Karla was such a warm person with a wonderful sense of humor and great love of life. I know I will miss her very much. I'm grateful to have pictures that will bring back the memories of all those years.
January 17, 2018
Judy Vitucci
I am sending my sincere condolences to Karla's family and friends. She was an amazing person and will be missed! Karla was funny, smart, compassionate, positive and full of energy. As the Acoustic Neuroma Association CEO I had the pleasure of assisting to recruit Karla to serve on the Acoustic Neuroma Association Board of Directors, and then worked with her on the Board. From the moment Karla joined the Board, she was totally engaged and brought a wealth of knowledge to our discussions. She served on several committees and provided insight from her acoustic neuroma experience, her nursing background and her product development work. She then went on to serve as the President of the Board of Directors. She was a pleasure to work with. It's hard for me to believe she is gone.
January 16, 2018
Friend
Janet Rideout
Karla and I became acquainted while at Inspire Pharmaceuticals. We worked together in support of patents that were important to the business. Many long hours and stress were relieved by her on-going humor. I will miss not having the opportunity to see her at local events. I wish her family comfort in knowing how many people benefited from Karlas life. I offer them heartfelt condolences for their loss.
January 15, 2018
Jill Parris
Karla was such a vibrant person, always warm, smiling, and full of life. I first had the privilege of working with Karla 6 years ago during my fellowship year at PPD, and since then she has become one of my most cherished mentors, and friend. Karla always found the good in every situation, and her optimism was contagious. Prayers of comfort to her family and friends, she will be dearly missed!
January 15, 2018
Mary Ellen Wright
Karla sparked joy wherever she went. We were in the same class at Duke Nursing School Class of 1981. She was a rare combination of compassion, beauty, and talent with a rich sense of humor. She was a blessing to all who knew her. I feel blessed to have reconnected with her over the past few years. Prayers and warm thoughts to all her family and friends.
Mary Ellen Wright
January 15, 2018
Jean Sayre
I can't remember who first said "Kul-de-sac Karla", but it made us all laugh just like Karla always did. I will miss our impromptu talks, her friendship, laughter and smile.
I'm lucky to have known Karla and she will be missed by our cul-de-sac family.
January 15, 2018
Holly Hilton
I had the privilege to work with Karla at PPD and I was always impressed by her style, her optimistic outlook and insight into the bigger picture. Her broad background really gave her unique insight into healthcare trends and how they may impact business and personal lives. She always took an interest in others, was very supportive and was always there for an interesting conversation. She will be missed.
January 13, 2018
Vince Turcotte
I was so deeply saddened to hear of Karla's passing. She was so modest about all of her achievements in life. She made a genuine contribution everywhere she went.
But what I will miss most was the way she made me smile. I cannot recall a single time where I didn't smile on greeting her, or where I wasn't smiling when we parted company. Karla brought more to the party than she ever took away, and I will miss her so much.
January 13, 2018
Jeanne and Jeffrey Weenink
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this time.
January 12, 2018
Rick Fleck
Karla's life and mine were intertwined in so may ways. We worked together at Burroughs Wellcome Co - often traveling to the same meetings in the UK. When the World Games of the Special Olympics were in the Triangle, I was a referee for the swimming competition, my wife was in charge of awards, and Karla was our emergency medical person at the swimming venue. Karla shared a love of the North Carolina Summerfest series with my wife and me, and we sat together for 20 years. Karla and I were both avid cyclists, and we rode together on many occasions. Karla was a dear friend who will be greatly missed.
January 12, 2018
Christi Ulmer
I didn't know Karla well, but she was always so kind. I enjoyed riding bikes with her. My heart goes out to her family and close friends.
January 12, 2018
Ellen Rowe
I am heartbroken.... worked with Karla at BW and remained friends in our wOW group for years. Such s pleasant and intelligent woman who illuminated a room when she was in it. She leaves a wealth of memories and relationships that she impacted but has advanced to a heavenly life we can only dream of.... see ya there Karla!
January 12, 2018
Sandra Averitt
I met Karla last fall while attending the Nursing Alumni Council Meeting at Duke. I was very impressed by her positive attitude despite her medical challenges. She was very articulate and enthusiastic about the progress of the school and the contribution she might make as a result of her extensive experience. Clearly she will be missed and is a true loss not only to her family and friends but her colleagues as well. Dr. Sandra S. Averitt, Emeritus,
Duke University School of Nursing Alumni Council
January 12, 2018
Kerry McKenzie
Karla and I had fun sharing an office for a couple years at Burroughs Wellcome. She was a wonderful person with a great sense of humor.
January 12, 2018
Mary Stipo Potter
Karen and family - we are deeply sadden to hear of Karla's passing. We will always remember Karla and you on happier times on our culinary tour in Tuscany. You were such happy sisters! Our love and hugs to you. Mary and Gina
January 12, 2018
Jennifer Farmer
Karla was a wonderful woman - so kind, compassionate, smart and fun-loving. I am honored to have known Karla, even if it was only for a few short years. All who knew her will treasure her memory and miss her dearly.
January 12, 2018
Barbara MacKesson
Karla was a bright light of positive energy in our Acoustic Neuroma support group. Her knowledge and skill in answering our questions was exceptional. Her death is a terrible loss to so many people. My heart goes out to her family and close friends. We will miss her.
January 12, 2018
Loren Miller
Karla was a great person. I worked with her at BW and PPD. She was always fun to be around . She was really professional and always worked hard. God took her too early
Loren Miller
January 12, 2018
Stewart Binder
The world is a better place because of Karla. Like Karla, I also had an acoustic neuroma. Karla was my initial contact with the Acoustic Neuroma Association chapter in North Carolina. She was very helpful then and continued to be as a founding leader of the chapter. After she assumed greater responsibilities with the National Board, she was always there for our chapter with valuable feedback from meetings she attended. She will be missed as both a member and a friend to all of us.
January 12, 2018
Very sad and shocking for everyone. She will be missed. Karla had such a zest for life!
January 11, 2018
Dawn Oliver
I am very sad to hear of this dear friend's passing today. I know her precious family will miss her so. She radiated when she spoke of her family. Karlas laughter and joyful personality was infectious to share. I will certainly pray your hearts heal while you face her absence here on earth.
January 11, 2018
Georgia Daninett
Karla and I never worked directly together, but over our many many years working along side each other, her love of cats, plants and knitting made for regular checking at work to see what each other were up to. I am very sorry to hear of her passing and know i am not alone missing her kind interest in those around her and fine sense of humor. I will miss her and hope her family knows how loved and missed she is.
January 10, 2018
Christy Shaffer
I had the privilege and pleasure of working with Karla at two different companies, Burroughs Wellcome and Inspire. Karla was very talented, hard-working, kind, funny and always there for others. She was a life-long learner who made many contributions in her workplace, community and beyond. She had many special gifts and our Women in Wellcome Group (WOW) always enjoyed her presence. She will be surely missed, but always be remembered and loved.
January 10, 2018
Debbie Fletcher
What a tremendous loss for us all! Karla loved life, her friends and family, and her beloved "Mitten". I loved to see her travel pictures that she posted on Facebook. She has meant so much to so many, and I cannot imagine our ANA meetings without her. She was a friend and mentor to me as I navigated my acoustic neuroma journey. We grieve with you and hold you all in our hearts and in our prayers.
Blessings,
Debbie Fletcher
Co-leader, ANA Eastern NC Support Group
January 10, 2018
william netherland
It is with great sorrow that we learned of Karla's passing, having known her for the last 18 years has been a pleasure and treasured friendship.
Our heartfelt condolences to all family and friends in the loss of our great friend Karla. We are so very sorry for your loss and she will be missed by us all. Prayers and love to help ease the sorrow of your loss.
Billy and Robin Netherland, all of us at Hairlines of Cary
January 9, 2018
To Karla's family,
How much she loved you! And how much she liked you! She talked about you often.
We share your loss, and we grieve with you. We can't imagine our Reunions or our lives without Karla. She never missed one of our Duke FCA get-togethers. Only death could have kept her from coming!
What a comfort to know that Karla is with the Lord she loves, and that there is a far sweeter Reunion ahead. Because He lives, we shall too.
We trust that the Lord is giving you grace for each day, and are praying that His great love will be very near and very real to you in the days ahead.
Jeff and Nancy (Koesy, Duke '83) Parker
Greenville, SC
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