Karen Kearse

Karen Williams Kearse of Gaffney, SC died on Saturday, April 2, 2016 at Spartanburg Medical Center after years of physical suffering. Karen was born in Louisville, Kentucky on June 3, 1954 to the late B. L. Williams and Eula Bumgarner Williams. She moved with her family to Spartanburg in 1966 and made her home here for many years. A graduate of Spartanburg High School and the University of South Carolina, she also earned a Master's Degree from Converse College. Karen taught at Madden and Chapman Elementary schools and finished her teaching career at Limestone College. She helped many students complete their work for obtaining their Graduate Equivalency Degrees. She also worked several years for an adoption agency. Karen was a member of Buford Street United Methodist Church in Gaffney, and always maintained a strong Christian faith despite her many years of severe physical suffering. In addition to her mother, Karen is survived by her three children, Jacob Kearse (Sherri) of Columbia, SC, Lucas Kearse (Maegan) of Gaffney, SC and Eleanor Kearse of the home. She has two grandsons, Elijah Kearse of Columbia, SC and Oliver Kearse of Gaffney. She is also survived by her brothers, Tim Williams (Ryan) of Spartanburg, SC, Truett Williams (Joanie) of Winston Salem, NC and Phillip Williams (Jill) of Dripping Springs, TX; and a sister-in-law, Ginny Kearse of Greenville, SC. Along with these, she is survived by several nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and many good friends. In addition to her father, she was predeceased by her husband, Robert Kearse and an infant son, Robert William Kearse. A celebration of Karen's life will be held at 2:00 PM Wednesday, April 6, 2016 at the Davis Chapel of First Baptist Church, 250 E. Main St., Spartanburg, SC 29306. The family will receive friends in the church Parlor following the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Eleanor Kearse Educational Trust Fund, 400 Webber Road, Apartment A2-6, Spartanburg, SC 29307. Floyd's North Church Street Chapel To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Karen Williams Kearse please visit our Sympathy Store.