Karen Lynn (Johnston) Nicks

Karen Lynn (Johnston) Nicks, 57, of Conway, Ark. passed away September 26th, 2016 after a long battle with myotonic muscular dystrophy. Karen was born in Little Rock, AR. on September 25th, 1959 to William Perry (Dub) and Maybeth Deese Johnston. Karen was a graduate of Joe T. Robinson High School where she enjoyed Cheerleading, serving as Captain of the Cheerleaders, as well as serving in the Student Council for several years. She was a talented gymnast and loved to sing and dance in the many roles she played in the theatre at The Arkansas Arts Center and The Old West Dinner Theatre, now known as Murry's Dinner Playhouse. Her passion for theatre continued through her college years at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock and Hendrix College in Conway, Ark. She continued to enjoy the theatre throughout her life. Karen was a proud graduate of Hendrix College. After her marriage to Michael Nicks of Conway, Ark. Karen enjoyed traveling across the US and living for a few years in the San Francisco area of California. After moving to Conway, Ar. they had two children, Taylor and Alison, whom she loved more than anything else in this world. She enjoyed a very active life from a young age attending dance and gymnastics, swimming at Lake Nixon and Aqua Park, roller skating at Royal Roller Rink, attending youth group at Grace Presbyterian Church in which she attended throughout her childhood, as well as just hanging out with her many friends. Karen was a member of First Presbyterian Church in Conway. She believed that Jesus is her God and Saviour and it is comforting to her family to know that she is now resting peacefully in her Father's arms. Karen is preceded in death by her Father, William Perry Johnston (Dub). She is survived by her children, a Son, Zachary Taylor Nicks, daughter, Alison Kathleen Nicks and their father Michael Nicks all of Conway, Ark. She is also survived by her Loving Mother, Maybeth Deese Johnston of Conway, Ark., sister, Sheryl Rainey (Roy) of Little Rock, Ark., brother, Lance Johnston (Melissa) of Conway, Ark., nieces, Mary Dean Johnston and Anne Ryan Johnston and aunts, an uncle and cousins. A Memorial Service will be held to celebrate Karen's life at 3 p.m.in the afternoon on Saturday October 1st at First Presbyterian Church located at 2400 Prince St., Conway, Ark. with reception following. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Muscular Dystrophy Association at www.mda.org/office/little-rock.