Natchez Trace Villas - Karol Jean Voge, 69, died Saturday, September 24, 2011, at her sister’s home in Oxford after a sudden illness. She was born July 25, 1942, in Oxford, to Richard Edwin and Gene Alberstett Keye. A 1960 graduate of University High School in Oxford, she then went on to attend The University of Mississippi where she graduated in 1964 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Education. She returned to Ole Miss and in 1969 obtained her Master’s in Education. For over 40 years she taught in the Tupelo Public School District, specializing the last 12 years of her career teaching in the Challenge Program for Gifted Students. She received several honors for her dedication to education, including being named the 2001 Tupelo Teacher of Distinction, and Pierce Street Teacher of the Year. Her greatest honor was knowing she was loved and respected by her students, parents and her peers. After retiring she volunteered at Shepard Center and Good Samaritan Free Clinic. She was an Avid Ole Miss Rebel fan. She was a member of First Presbyterian Church and a member of the church knitting club. She had an impact on many lives and will be greatly missed.

Services will be 4 p.m. Thursday, September 29, 2011, at First Presbyterian Church with Dr. Tom Groome officiating and Cynthia Coburn will deliver a eulogy. Burial will be in Tupelo Memorial Park. W. E. Pegues Funeral Directors is in charge of the arrangements.

Survivors include her husband of 42 years, Dennis Voge of Tupelo; two sister, Patti Keye Wilson (Joe) of Roswell, Georgia and Denny Keye Spencer of Oxford; one sister-in-law, Diane Voge of Beaufort, South Carolina; one niece; two nephews; one great-niece; two great-nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

Pallbearers will be Aubrey Patterson, Rich Wilson, Michael Wilson, Jason Moore, Jim McAlpin, Chris McAlpin and Luke McAlpin.

Honorary Pallbearers will be the alumni of University High School.

Visitation will be 2 to 4 p.m. in McFadden Hall of the Church.

In lieu of flowers, donation may be sent to the First Presbyterian Church, 400 W. Jefferson Street, Tupelo, MS 38804 or The University of Mississippi Foundation, The Memory House, P.O. Box 249, University, Mississippi 38677

Expressions of sympathy may be left at www.peguesfuneralhome.com