Karen Purcell Walker

Karen Amelia Walker, 68, of Glennville, Georgia, passed away on Saturday, December 27 at St. Josephs Hospital while surrounded by family.

Born on January 2, 1957 in Raleigh, North Carolina, she was the daughter of Merriam Purcell and the late Reverend James Irvin Purcell. Karen spent most of her life in Glennville, Georgia. She attended Glennville High School with the love of her life, Randy Walker. After graduating from GHS in 1975 she attended Brewton Parker College where she enjoyed being an active member of the touring choir and graduated with her Associates Degree in 1977. She then attended Georgia Southern College and earned her Bachelors of Science in Education in 1979. She continued her education with her Masters of Education from Georgia Southern in 1989 and later her Education Specialist degree from Georgia Southern, as well. Teaching was her calling. She devoted 38 years of service to teaching fourth grade students for the Department of Defense of Diamond Elementary on Fort Stewart, Georgia. She loved her time spent as an educator; her colleagues and students will never forget her.

On December 20, 1980, she married her high school sweetheart, Randy Walker. In their 45 years, they raised two children, Stephanie and Charles who were her pride and joy. She never missed a game or event if her children were involved. You could always find her being as supportive as possible in all the ways she knew best.

Karen found great joy in serving her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. She had a heart for service and served in many different ways. She served as choir director, organist, pianist, but her favorite was any time spent working with the youth. She enjoyed teaching Sunday School, directing the handbell choir, directing Christmas plays and organizing numerous trips for the youth of the church. She was also famous for opening her home to the youth and for sharing her wonderful cooking.

When she became a Meme in 2007, her heart was full. Since then if you saw her, you probably saw Haleigh or at least heard all about her. Then again in 2010, her heart grew more when her second granddaughter, Shelby, was born. Her world revolved around them. She was the best Meme ever.

She decided to retire from teaching after 38 years in 2017 to become a full-time Meme and caretaker of her mom. Caring for others gave her the most joy.

She loved spending time planning trips, traveling, cheering for the Braves and Bulldogs, and hosting family celebrations at her home. In the last few years, she has also become known for loving her furry companions Duke, Bella, and Rocky.

Karen was the “glue” that has kept the family together and made sure everyone knew what was best for them (even if they didn’t want to hear it - just ask any of them). She was a force to be reckoned with - she was never afraid to tell it how it was. She had the biggest heart - she was always willing to open it to anyone with a smile, a hug, some advice, and a piece of pound cake.

Proverbs 31:28-31: Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: 29 “Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.” 30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.31 Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.

Karen is survived by her devoted husband of 45 years, Randy Walker; loving children Stephanie McWilliams (John) of Glennville and Charles Walker (Melissa) of Statesboro; cherished grandchildren Haleigh and Shelby McWilliams; and her loving mother Merriam Purcell of Glennville and brothers Ronald Purcell of Glennville and Jim Purcell II (Norma) of Prattville, AL; nephew James Purcell III of Prattville, AL, and niece Norma Kidd (Chris) of San Antonio, TX.

Karen is also survived by beloved brothers-in-law, Mike Walker (Ruth) of Glennville, Jimmy Walker (Cindy) of Glennville, and Larry Walker (Felicia); several loving nieces and nephews, Jason Walker (Angie), Clayton Walker (Darla), Sabrina Page (Stevie), Daphne Richardson (Jim) , Danielle Dubberly (Jason), all of Glennville and Tyler Walker of Jesup, GA. Her bonus family, Quaysean Davis (Ali), Anya Cain and Roger and Shonda DeLoach, several great nieces and nephews also survive.

Karen was preceded in death by her father, Reverend James Irvin Purcell, mother-in-law, Pauline Walker, and father-in-law, Clayton Walker.

Visitation will begin at 6:00 pm, Tuesday, December 30, 2025 at Brannen Family Funeral Services. Funeral Services will be held at 1:00 pm, Wednesday, December 31, 2025 at the chapel of Brannen Family Funeral Services with Rev. Mike Howard officiating. Burial will follow in Little Rock Baptist Church Cemetery.

Care and Services are entrusted to Brannen Family Funeral Services, Glennville, Georgia. "Our Family Serving Your Family."