Karen Lynn Williams was born on April 7, 1951 in McKeesport, Pennsylvania. Her parents were Mae Blanche Gaither (Smart) and William Frank Horvath. She spent much of her years growing up moving all over the country. She liked the experiences she had when she looked back at her life, but it was a difficult time for her. She strongly relied on her faith in God through the difficult times she endured. Despite moving around and having to attend many different schools, she was committed to graduating high school. Karen graduated from Marshfield High School (located in Coos Bay, Oregon) in 1969. She was determined to have a more permanent home in her adult life. She resided in Oregon for a while and then lived in Texas for seventeen years. In 1991, Karen moved back to Oregon where she lived until she went to be with the Lord on June 28, 2022. Karen loved the work that she did during her working years which was mainly accounts payables. She spent some years working in an amusement park, keeping hospital records, and working in a funeral home. Her last years of working, she ran and owned a security company for around thirteen years.
Karen had two daughters in her first marriage: Wendy Lynn Williams Byrd and Nikki Gibbens who she sadly lost at only a few months old. She also had an early miscarriage as well. These were devastating for her, but she managed to get through it thanks to her faith in God. Karen divorced and then married Kenneth Joe Williams on April 7, 1978 and gained a step-daughter, Terrie Brown. Karen was a very strong woman even though she endured many health issues from the time she was a young child and suffered great losses in her life.
She was always very generous towards others and there for whoever needed her when she could be. Karen was a loving person and cared for others deeply. She tried to pick up people’s spirits when they were down. She never wanted to quit or give up on anything or anyone. Karen was very selfless many times in her life as she put others before herself.
Karen was an avid crocheter and made many different items like blankets, scarfs, hats, clothing, pillows, and a banner. She was very creative and good at many crafts like sewing. During a period of time, she made her children's clothes. She also had a love for music and singing. Later in her life, she developed a love for gardening and loved to plant many different types of colorful flowers.
Karen leaves behind her husband Ken of 44 years, her daughter Wendy Williams Byrd, her stepdaughter Terrie Brown, her granddaughter Ciara Roland-Williams who she raised from birth, her grandson Justin Williams who she raised for some years of his life, and six other grandchildren. She had a total of 15 great-grandchildren including one who was born a few days after she passed away, two on the way, and Genesis Roland-Williams who she joins in Heaven. She also leaves behind her siblings Bill Gaither, Judith Funk, Rick Gaither, Mark Gaither, and Mona Gaither.
Karen also joins her mother, father, daughter (Nikki), child she miscarried, and stepfather in Heaven.
Karen’s Celebration of Life will take place on August 20, 2022 at 12pm. It will be held at Sandy Assembly of God church. We can all enjoy a meal after the service. You can bring some potluck food items if you wish, but it isn’t required. We will be providing food to share as well.