Karen Lynnette Coleman

Birth Date: 03/29/1950
Deceased Date: 09/07/2025

Karen Lynnette Thomas Coleman
March 29, 1950 – September 7, 2025

Karen and her twin sister, Sharon were born in St. Louis, MO to Corloyd and Gloria Thomas. Karen was older “by ten minutes.” Soon after birth, the family moved to New York City. She graduated from Andrew Jackson High School and enrolled in Atlantic Union College in South Lancaster, MA. There she met her “Southern Gentleman”, James Coleman, a native of Atlanta, GA. They were married in 1973 after her graduation with a degree in Nursing. The couple moved to Hinsdale, IL where she began practicing as a Registered Nurse. After a brief assignment on a Medical/Surgical Unit, she transferred to the Operating Room where she spent the next forty-two years. During her career, she held licenses in Illinois, Washington, DC, Maryland, Georgia and North Carolina. She developed a reputation for high standards of nursing practice and fierce advocacy for the welfare of her patients. She retired from the OR at UNC Johnston in 2017.

Upon retirement, Karen became more active in St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Smithfield. In addition to singing in the choir, she was a member of the Altar Guild, Episcopal Church Women and the local chapter of the King’s Daughters.

She developed a love of music at an early age, as both parents were musicians and music teachers. She played piano, sang and often attended the choral music festivals on the North Carolina coast.

Karen is survived by her husband James of 52 years, her sister Sharon, their daughter, Donna, several cousins and countless dear friends.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to:
St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 218 S. Second Street, Smithfield, NC 27577 or SECU Hospice House C/O Johnston health Foundation, P.O. Box 1376, Smithfield, NC 27577.

Viewing/Visitation:
Tuesday September 16, 2025, at Walter Sanders Funeral & Cremation Services Chapel 302 S. Bright Leaf Blvd., Smithfield, NC 27577 from 1:00 pm until 6:00 pm.
Funeral Services:
St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 218 S. Second Street, Smithfield, NC 27577 Wednesday September 17, 2025, from 11:00 am until 12:00 pm.
Interment:
Knollwood Cemetery 4362 US-70 Business Clayton, NC.

Arrangements are being handled by www.waltersandersfuneralhome.com