Karen Lajoyce Thomas entered her eternal rest on Friday, December 27, 2024.

Karen was born to Mrs. Margaret and the late Mr. LeRoy Wiley on July 11, 1956, in St. Louis, Missouri, and began a wonderful journey on this canvas called life.

Karen graduated from Vashon High School in St. Louis. She attended Jacksonville University and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology. She then attended Central Michigan University and graduated with a Master of Administration. She also obtained a certification in Project Management.

Karen began her career in the telecommunications industry. She eventually accepted a position with Marsh & McLennan / Mercer Inc. and remained employed there until she retired.

Karen was joined in marriage to Alvin Thomas in 1992, and to this union, her precious son, Kenan Alvin Thomas, was born. Karen instilled the importance of faith, prayer, and trusting God in her son. She was so proud of the exceptional man he had become.

Karen adopted and mentored many children on her journey and was affectionately known as "Auntie Karen" to them all. Karen pursued excellence and advised the youth in her circle to invest in their educations. She believed that education, once obtained, could never be taken away.

Karen had a great sense of humor, and her laughter was infectious. She loved the beach, art, fashion, shopping, home decorating, traveling, and singing.

Karen's faith in God was the cornerstone of her life. She was passionate about her faith, her family, and her friends. She was an amazing mother, servant, coach, encourager, giver, protector, nurturer, defender, and friend. Throughout her life, Karen exemplified unconditional love, faithfulness, loyalty, trustworthiness, strength, dignity, and beauty. Karen's legacy is love, care, and service to others. Her family, friends and all whose lives she touched will deeply miss her.

She leaves to cherish her beloved memory, her son, Kenan Thomas; her mother, Mrs. Margaret Wiley of St. Louis, Missouri; three siblings: Denise (Larry) Mosley of Austell, Georgia; Leroy (Tina) Wiley and Michelle Wiley of St. Louis, Missouri, and a host of loving family and friends.
Surely, the most beautiful of all God's gifts is a well-lived life. Karen, we salute you!

The funeral service will be held on Saturday, January 4, 2025 at 4:00pm in the chapel of Marietta Funeral Home. The family will receive friends and visitors for two hours prior to the service.