Karen Lynn Whiten, 73, of Simpsonville, SC, wife of James Douglas Whiten, Jr. for 36 years, went home to be with the Lord on Monday, May 11, 2026.

Karen was born in Oakland, CA to the late Colleen and Bruce McCurdy. She was a graduate of the Greenville Technical College Nursing Program.  At the time of her passing, Karen was an active member of Brookwood Church who greatly enjoyed her barista duties at the church coffee station and fellowshipping with other members. She previously served at The Cathedral Community Church as Choir Director for over 20 years, and helped start a Good News Club in her neighborhood. She enjoyed hiking the Swamp Rabbit and Conestee trails, going downtown to Falls Park, and especially loved her annual trips to the Smoky Mountains and Gatlinburg with her husband. Karen enjoyed working in her yard, home improvement projects, music (especially instrumental and jazz), and playing the piano. Most of all, though, Karen loved her family deeply.  Her greatest joy was being Grammy to her grandchildren. She made every holiday a special event for her family, with her annual Christmas Eve family pajamas tradition being her most favorite of all.   She was a light of joy and hope to all who knew her and she will be deeply missed.

In addition to her husband, Karen is survived by her daughters, Cindy Firpo and Kristi Apel (Jeff) and son, Ricky Firpo (Jessica); two brothers, Bruce McCurdy (Debbie) and Mark McCurdy (Janine); six grandchildren, Isaac Willett, Jack Willett, Sam Willett, Autumn Pryor (Lucas), Judah Apel, and William Firpo; four nephews, Ben McCurdy (Holly), Brucie McCurdy (Michela), Kevin McCurdy, and Christopher McCurdy (Sara); and one niece, Christina Anliker.

Karen was predeceased by her granddaughter, Madeline Willett.

A memorial service for Karen will be held in the chapel at Brookwood Church, Simpsonville, SC on May 29, 2026 at 11:00 AM.