Kara Marie Zornig

Kara Marie Zornig, age 42, passed away on January 9th, 2024, after a long and difficult battle with cervical cancer. She was at home and surrounded by immediate family when she passed. She is survived by her eighteen-year-old daughter, Laila Marie Zornig, her father, Mark William Zornig, her mother, Janice Marie Phillips, her brother Adam Mark Zornig, and her sister Kelly Zornig Kennedy. Although Kara’s life sadly ended too soon, her legacy will live on through precious memories.

Kara was born on November 11th, 1981, in Athens, Georgia. She grew up in Winterville, a small suburb of Athens, and was crowned Little Miss Marigold in 1990. She played fast-pitch softball from rec league to High School. She graduated from Cedar Shoals High School in 2000. Kara attended Georgia College in Milledgeville, Georgia but decided to postpone a degree and pursue work in Atlanta, Georgia, where she lived most of her young adulthood. After Laila was born, she settled in Winder, Georgia. Kara was a devoted and proud mother passing on her kind-loving nature to Laila.

Kara was passionate about health and wellness and had a natural gift for inspiring others. She blossomed on social media as a health coach and entrepreneur after starting her first business, KZ Skin and Body. Kara’s second passion involved food and the art of charcuterie. She hosted charcuterie workshops where her skills were put on display. Building on this experience, she accepted a couple of restaurant management positions where her many talents were greatly appreciated. She had just been hired by Fooda, Inc. to open and manage a café for Elevance, a large health insurance company in downtown Atlanta. When her cancer returned, she was forced to quit working and move in with her mother to get treatment and full-time care at home.

After receiving a terminal diagnosis, Kara faced it with courage, dignity, and grace. It is comforting to know she is finally free of the pain and suffering from her illness. By her faith, we are assured she is joyful in that special place God prepared for her long ago. Pastor Morris Sapp presided over her green burial at Athens Memory Gardens in Athens, Georgia on January 11, 2024, with close family attending. Family members wrapped her in a white cotton shroud decorated with handprints and laced with flowers before placing her into a woven willow casket. She was laid to rest between two oak trees in the new green burial section of the cemetery.

A celebration of life will be held on March 9th, 2024, from 2-4 pm in Athens, Georgia behind Crossroads Community Church in the Fellowship Hall. Rather than flowers, donations to Laila’s educational trust fund will be appreciated and managed wisely. Scan the QR code to donate to Laila’s GoFundMe. Donations in cash or check will be accepted at Kara’s Celebration of Life. Please make checks payable to Kelly Zornig Kennedy.

The family of Kara Marie Zornig wishes to thank everyone for their love and support during our time of bereavement, including Pastor Morris Sapp and Crossroads Community Church.
May God bless you and keep you.