Shirley Jean Karst

Shirley Jean Karst, age 84, went home on June 12, 2025, at McGraw Community Hospice Jacksonville, Florida surrounded by love. Shirley was born on August 12, 1940, at home in Jacksonville, Florida to Troy and Vivian Waites. She was raised in a simple time where her family raised, grew, or made all their daily needs. She attended Hutto Chapel United Methodist Church where she met the love of her life, Bill, and his family that became her family as well. She and Bill were married in 1960.

Shirley was a member of 4H and spent much time doing activities with the organization including being on the state level poultry judging team. She attended Florida State University back when it was an all-girls school, which Bill (who attended Florida) reminded her of the fact often). She became an elementary school teacher until she stayed at home to raise a family and do much volunteer work which included state level PTA, Department of Prevention of Blindness, Girl Scouts, and West Nassau Band Boosters. Later she went back to work as Special Events Coordinator at Tara Lanes Bowling Center and then as a Marketing Researcher for Irwin Industries. Shirley was an avid seamstress, crafter, gardener and she loved to cook for others. She and Bill had many great memories of traveling with family and friends but her greatest love of all was spending time with her grandchildren and her beloved dog Lady Penelope “Penny”.

Shirley was preceded in death by her husband of over 50 years William “Bill” Archie Karst, her parents Troy Lee Waites, Vivian Foster Waites, and her brother Herbert L Karst.

She is survived by her daughters Leanne (Patrick) Ludvigsen, Victoria (Susan) Karst; Granddaughters Lindsey (Nathan) Hardy, Heather (Bryan) McBee, Shelby (Clayton) Terrell, Delaney Ludvigsen and Sydney Ludvigsen; Great grandsons Blake & Benjamin McBee, Liam & Ethan Hardy; Sisters Nancy (Ray) Boles, Susan Holton, Charron (Gene) Stokes; Brothers John (Michelle) Karst, Thomas (Jesse) Karst, Gene (Eva) Waites, and many nieces and nephews.

A visitation for Shirley will be held Monday, June 23, 2025 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Hardage-Giddens, Riverside Memorial Park & Funeral Home, 7242 Normandy Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32205. A celebration of life will occur Tuesday, June 24, 2025 at 11:00 AM at Callahan Methodist Church, 449648 US-301, Callahan, FL 32011. A committal will occur Tuesday, June 24, 2025 from 1:30 PM to 2:00 PM at Jacksonville National Cemetery, 4083 Lannie Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32218.