Tributes

Karen Ellis, a devoted nurse, steadfast caregiver, woman of faith, and deeply loving grandmother, passed away on April 5, 2026, at the age of 75. Her life was marked by quiet strength, unwavering perseverance, and a generous heart dedicated to the care of others. Karen was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Dennis Alan Ellis, with whom she is now reunited. She was also predeceased by her mother, Virginia Herring Mayer; her father, James Lawrence Burgess; her brothers, Michael Mayer, Jr. and Richard Mayer; and her sisters, Beverly Johnson and Joanne Shelnut. She is survived by her stepdaughter, Jennifer Ellis (Fran Smith); her daughter, Paige Michael (Dalton Durden); and her cherished grandson, Nicholas Michael, who was the light of her life and the focus of her days. Karen poured her energy and love into ensuring his happiness, growth, and success, finding profound joy in every milestone and moment with him. Karen devoted her professional life to caring for others. A registered nurse and graduate of the Greenville General Hospital School of Nursing, she served for 30 years with the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control. Even in retirement, her calling did not fade; she continued to apply her clinical expertise through part-time assignments, always answering the need to help. Her faith was a cornerstone of her life. Karen found refuge and strength in scripture and in the promises of God’s love and grace. She was connected to two local congregations, True North and First Baptist Church of North Augusta, maintaining a long and meaningful affiliation with True North while attending First Baptist in recent years in support of her grandson’s involvement in the youth group. She endeavored to live out the teachings of Matthew 25:35–45, generously giving her time and directing her charitable contributions to serve “the least of these,” with a special heart for causes that supported children. Those who knew Karen will remember her as unique, strong, and unapologetically herself. She demonstrated extraordinary perseverance through life’s hardships, including dedicating years to being the devoted caregiver to her husband throughout his prolonged illness. Though deeply private, Karen cultivated many enduring friendships and treasured those connections; to be her friend was a uniquely meaningful honor. She also possessed a lovely sense of humor, often offering unexpectedly funny remarks and wry observations that delighted those around her. Two services will honor Karen’s life. On Monday, April 13, visitation and viewing will be held at 4:00 p.m., followed by a memorial service at 5:00 p.m. at Posey Funeral Home in North Augusta, South Carolina. In accordance with her wishes, she will be cremated, and a second service will take place at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 15, at Woodlawn Memorial Park in Greenville, South Carolina, where her ashes will be interred with her beloved husband, Dennis. Karen did not always see herself as clearly or as kindly as others did. In that spirit, her family warmly invites all who knew and loved her to share favorite memories, words of admiration, or kind sentiments, whether as comments below or at the service in North Augusta. These words of affirmation will be cremated with her, surrounding her with our love for her. Karen will be missed immensely and remembered always – for her compassion, her faith, her resilience, and the quiet, enduring love she offered to the world.

Tributes

Karen B. Ellis

June 15, 1950 - April 5, 2026