Karla Fuller

Karla Denyce Fuller (née Smith) was born on July 16, 1955 to Pete and Bernice Smith in St. Louis, MO.

Karla accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior at a young age and was baptized at Wayman AME Church in St. Louis Missouri. Karla was a member of Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship in Dallas, TX.

Karla graduated from Lutheran High School North in 1972 and then attended St. Louis University. After receiving both bachelor and juris doctorate degrees, Karla began working for the United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission in various positions that relocated her to Washington DC, Philadelphia, PA and Arlington, TX. She most recently held the position of regional counsel and was notably the first African American and woman employed in that position. As counselor to more than 150 employees, Karla was recipient of the Meritorious Service Award, the second highest award in the agency.

Karla met the love of her life, Byron Fuller in Arlington, TX and they were married on September 18, 2004. Karla and Byron enjoyed traveling together and over the years visited Italy, France, England, Australia, New Zealand, Spain, China, Japan, Panama, South Korea as well as the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Karla believed in sharing her time and talent with others. She especially enjoyed mentoring other women. She was an active member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Inc. and lived her life according to their motto of “Greater Service, Greater Progress”. She has served The Mid-Cities Links, Incorporated since 1999, and was recently appointed as national co-chair of strategic planning. She was a member of the Leadership Texas Alumnae Association, American Bar Association, National Bar Association, J.L. Turner Bar Association, and DFW Parliamentarians. Karla has received many awards and recognitions throughout her career and for her community service efforts. She was recognized in Who’s Who in Practicing Attorneys, Who’s Who in Government Services and received the Federal Executive Board Community Service Award.

Karla departed this life on October 28, 2017. She is survived by her husband, Byron Fuller; her aunt, Betty Grams of Severn, MD; sisters-in-law, Vanessa Hardeman, Jackie Lewis, Sharlette Fuller, Kornelia Fuller and Joyce Hudson; brothers-in-law, Tim Hardeman and Vonzell Fuller of Fort Worth; step-son, Sederick Fuller; step-daughter, Shayna Fuller; two step-grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, sorority sisters and friends. She is preceded in death by both her parents, Pete and Bernice Smith.


For online condolences and Tributes please visit www.skyvuefuneralhome.com.