Bridgeport Woman, the President of Long-Time and Well-Known City Business, Karen Marks, Passes at 84
By Connect-Bridgeport Staff on January 23, 2025
Karen Elaine Marks, 84, of Bridgeport, West Virginia, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, January 21, 2025, at Ruby Memorial Hospital following a sudden illness. Born on July 16, 1941, in Shinnston, West Virginia, she was the daughter of the late Bernard C. Reeves and Virginia Shipman Reeves-Smith.
Karen was a devoted wife, loving mother, and proud grandmother. She and her husband, Jim Marks, shared 64 years of marriage, having 
married on April 2, 1960. Karen was the current president of Marks Construction, where she was known for her strong work ethic and leadership. Outside of her professional life, she was renowned for her love of cooking, maintaining a spotless home, and enjoying the simple pleasures of shopping and traveling.
married on April 2, 1960. Karen was the current president of Marks Construction, where she was known for her strong work ethic and leadership. Outside of her professional life, she was renowned for her love of cooking, maintaining a spotless home, and enjoying the simple pleasures of shopping and traveling.
She is survived by her husband, Jim Marks; daughter, Debbie Nicholson and her partner Andy Flint of Bridgeport; grandson, Jason Nicholson and his wife Sarah Nicholson of Quiet Dell; granddaughter, April Davis of Jacksonville, Alabama; and six great-grandchildren: Shailynn Snider, Noah Snider, Rinley Bircher, Madelyn Cain, Adalynn Nicholson, and James Cain. Karen’s greatest joy came from her family, and she was affectionately known as "Gigi" to her great-grandchildren. Also surviving is her sister, Linda Weaver of Bradenton, Florida; sister-in-law, Nancy Marks; and several nieces and nephews who considered her a mother figure.
Karen was preceded in death by her daughter, Angie Davis; grandson, James Matthew Davis; siblings, Iris Davis, Bill Reeves, and Charlotte Stonestreet; and sons-in-law, Rick Nicholson and Bill Davis.
Karen will be deeply missed by all who knew her. Her family was the center of her world, and her legacy of love and devotion will be remembered by her loved ones forever.
Friends will be received at Burnside Funeral Home, 607 S. Virginia Avenue, Bridgeport, on Friday, January 24, 2025, from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m., where services will be held at 1 p.m. with Rev. Dr. Matthew Paugh presiding. Interment will follow in Bridgeport Cemetery.
