Funeral Information
Location:
St. Thomas Episcopal Church
Date: 01-17-2026
Time: 10:00 AM
Time: 10:00 AM
Visitation Information
Location:
St. Thomas Episcopal Church
Date:
Time:
Time:
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Obituary
With deep love and cherished memories, we celebrate the life of the Reverend Karen A. King, who peacefully departed this life on January 3, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of faith, resilience, and unwavering devotion to God, family, and community.
Born on October 30, 1955, to the late Evelyn Smith and Edward Lamar, Karen was the youngest of five siblings—Steven (deceased), Amy, Janet, and Daveda—a role that shaped her strength and determination from an early age.
Her early education began at Saint James Grammar School, followed by Loretto High School. Life presented challenges early on, and Karen became a parent at 16. This profound experience shaped her character, igniting a lifelong commitment to perseverance, responsibility, and hope for a better future. Refusing to be defined by her circumstances, she earned her GED and later obtained an associate’s degree in general studies from Harold Washington College. Karen’s commitment to education and service culminated in her receiving a Master’s in Divinity from Seabury Western, a milestone reflecting both academic excellence and a deep calling to serve God and others.
Karen’s love for learning and adventure was boundless. She taught English to seminary students at the Msalato Theological College in Tanzania for three years, mentored youth both in the U.S. and abroad, and had an adventurous, globetrotting spirit. We often found ourselves asking, “Where in the world is Karen King?” She was a fun-loving soul, known for her playful sense of humor, and she loved to dance and sing as if no one was watching.
Karen dedicated 20 years of faithful service to the Chicago Transit Authority, where she was known for reliability, integrity, and a compassionate spirit. Throughout her career, she touched the lives of coworkers and passengers alike with her kindness and strength. Upon retirement, Karen answered a higher calling and entered the priesthood, serving as an Episcopal Priest and was ordained a priest by the Diocese of Chicago. Her ministry was marked by wisdom, heartfelt compassion, and conviction, offering guidance, prayer, and love to all who crossed her path. Karen’s faith became a living testimony to God’s grace, proving that purpose can unfold at any stage in life.
Karen was a fun-loving soul, known for her playful sense of humor, and she loved to dance and sing as if no one was watching. Karen’s deep warmth extended beyond her family; she was called “Mama” and “Grandma” by many who were not related by blood, but loved her as family.
Karen was fiercely proud of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, quick to share their accomplishments with everyone she met.
Community service was the fabric of Karen’s life. In 2013, she became a member of the Pi Gamma Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, in Rockford, Illinois. Her active involvement reflected her commitment to service, sisterhood, and personal growth. She consistently supported community efforts, uplifted others through her compassion and leadership, and left a lasting impact on all she encountered. Further demonstrating her commitment to advocacy and justice, she served as vice president for the Rockford chapter of the NAACP.
Karen’s sense of adventure extended to her membership in the ABATE motorcycle club, where she served as chaplain. She traveled the world—always with her beloved stuffed gorillas, George and Georgette, safely strapped in beside her. Her fondness for gorillas was well-known and added to her trademark spirit of joy and whimsy.
Karen is survived by her children, Evelyn (Lamont) Smith, Joseph King, and Jonathan King-Williams (Sandy); grandchildren, Epiphany, Kaila, Jacqueline (Jaisen), Christian, Selena, Karina, and Brayden; great-grandchildren, Journee, Joi, Faith, and Legacy; and her siblings Amy, Janet, and Daveda. Though she will be deeply missed, Karen’s life reminds us that perseverance births purpose, faith transforms destiny, and God’s calling knows no limits.
We rejoice in knowing that Karen now rests in eternal peace and believe she’s hearing the words, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”
Born on October 30, 1955, to the late Evelyn Smith and Edward Lamar, Karen was the youngest of five siblings—Steven (deceased), Amy, Janet, and Daveda—a role that shaped her strength and determination from an early age.
Her early education began at Saint James Grammar School, followed by Loretto High School. Life presented challenges early on, and Karen became a parent at 16. This profound experience shaped her character, igniting a lifelong commitment to perseverance, responsibility, and hope for a better future. Refusing to be defined by her circumstances, she earned her GED and later obtained an associate’s degree in general studies from Harold Washington College. Karen’s commitment to education and service culminated in her receiving a Master’s in Divinity from Seabury Western, a milestone reflecting both academic excellence and a deep calling to serve God and others.
Karen’s love for learning and adventure was boundless. She taught English to seminary students at the Msalato Theological College in Tanzania for three years, mentored youth both in the U.S. and abroad, and had an adventurous, globetrotting spirit. We often found ourselves asking, “Where in the world is Karen King?” She was a fun-loving soul, known for her playful sense of humor, and she loved to dance and sing as if no one was watching.
Karen dedicated 20 years of faithful service to the Chicago Transit Authority, where she was known for reliability, integrity, and a compassionate spirit. Throughout her career, she touched the lives of coworkers and passengers alike with her kindness and strength. Upon retirement, Karen answered a higher calling and entered the priesthood, serving as an Episcopal Priest and was ordained a priest by the Diocese of Chicago. Her ministry was marked by wisdom, heartfelt compassion, and conviction, offering guidance, prayer, and love to all who crossed her path. Karen’s faith became a living testimony to God’s grace, proving that purpose can unfold at any stage in life.
Karen was a fun-loving soul, known for her playful sense of humor, and she loved to dance and sing as if no one was watching. Karen’s deep warmth extended beyond her family; she was called “Mama” and “Grandma” by many who were not related by blood, but loved her as family.
Karen was fiercely proud of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, quick to share their accomplishments with everyone she met.
Community service was the fabric of Karen’s life. In 2013, she became a member of the Pi Gamma Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, in Rockford, Illinois. Her active involvement reflected her commitment to service, sisterhood, and personal growth. She consistently supported community efforts, uplifted others through her compassion and leadership, and left a lasting impact on all she encountered. Further demonstrating her commitment to advocacy and justice, she served as vice president for the Rockford chapter of the NAACP.
Karen’s sense of adventure extended to her membership in the ABATE motorcycle club, where she served as chaplain. She traveled the world—always with her beloved stuffed gorillas, George and Georgette, safely strapped in beside her. Her fondness for gorillas was well-known and added to her trademark spirit of joy and whimsy.
Karen is survived by her children, Evelyn (Lamont) Smith, Joseph King, and Jonathan King-Williams (Sandy); grandchildren, Epiphany, Kaila, Jacqueline (Jaisen), Christian, Selena, Karina, and Brayden; great-grandchildren, Journee, Joi, Faith, and Legacy; and her siblings Amy, Janet, and Daveda. Though she will be deeply missed, Karen’s life reminds us that perseverance births purpose, faith transforms destiny, and God’s calling knows no limits.
We rejoice in knowing that Karen now rests in eternal peace and believe she’s hearing the words, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”