Karen Lee Pyburn

79, of Largo, FL, passed away peacefully on May 25, 2025, at home in Centerville, Tennessee, surrounded by her loving family. Born on May 22, 1946, in Lansing, Michigan, Karen brought light and love into the world from the very beginning. She moved to Seminole, Florida as a teenager, where she built a life rooted in compassion, resilience, and unwavering devotion to her family.

Karen graduated from Largo Senior High School and later returned to school at St. Petersburg Junior College, where she pursued a degree in Psychology. It was there that she discovered her calling to nurture and uplift children, especially those facing challenges. She worked as a teacher aide at Mildred Helms Elementary, where her gentle spirit and patient heart made a lasting impact on countless young lives.

Throughout her life, Karen wore many hats with grace and strength — from working in the photo lab at Eckerd Drugs to managing the sewing department at Zayre’s Department Store — all while raising four children in a blended family built on love. She married the love of her life, John Walker Pyburn III, on April 2, 1977, and together they created a home filled with laughter, learning, and unconditional support.

Karen was a woman of many talents and passions. She found joy in crafting, sewing, gardening, reading, and cooking — always creating beauty and comfort for those around her. She was a devoted daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. Her legacy lives on in the values she instilled: kindness, loyalty, hard work, and the importance of giving back. She taught her children not only how to love deeply but also how to dream big and persevere.

She was preceded in death by her beloved parents, Carol and Robert B. Asher, and her dear brother, Robert W. Asher. She is survived by her devoted husband, John; her four children, Julie (Rosko) Street, Julia (Pyburn) Diaz, Katherine (Pyburn) Mason, and Dale R. Rosko; seven cherished grandchildren; one precious great-grandchild; and lifelong friends who will miss her dearly.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, May 31st at 10:00 AM at Serenity Funeral Home, 13401 Indian Rocks Rd., Largo, FL 33774, followed by a funeral service at 11:00 AM. Interment will take place immediately after at Serenity Gardens Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, a cause close to Karen’s heart.