Karen Hurt Wing

Karen Hurt Wing, 66, passed away Friday, September 6, 2019, at St. Dominic Hospital in Jackson, MS. She was born in Mobile, AL, on December 10, 1952, to Howard and Yvette Hurt. Growing up, she was an accomplished dancer and enjoyed spending summers at her grandparents’ home in Louisville, MS. She attended Ben C. Rain high school in Mobile where she was a Feature Twirler with the marching band. Karen graduated from Mississippi State University in 1976 with a degree in art and graphic design. She was Head Majorette for the Famous Maroon Band and a member of the Clarinet Choir woodwind ensemble. She also was a member of Alpha Chi Omega sorority.

Karen spent most of her career as Art Director at Mississippi Public Broadcasting. In her 30 plus years in public broadcasting, Karen worked on feature, news, and magazine programs, as well as documentaries. Her greatest contribution, however, was through her work on instructional programs for the children of Mississippi. From her set and puppet designs, to her graphics and animation, Karen brought learning to life for generations of families throughout our state and beyond. The contributions she has made toward improving literacy, geography, science skills and more, brought her the greatest gratification as well as garnering numerous national awards. She earned her first national EMMY award in 1999 for “Ticktock Minutes,” a series of musical public service announcements designed to teach healthy habits to children. Karen retired from MPB in 2016 but always remained a staunch advocate for public broadcasting and specifically, children’s educational television. She was dedicated to her craft and was proud to be a part of Mississippi Public Broadcasting where she made a lasting contribution to children’s television.

Karen loved nothing more than being with her children and cheering them on in whatever sport they chose. She taught them to think for themselves and stand up for their beliefs. She embodied strength through adversity while battling chronic disease with grace. Karen was a member of Ridgecrest Baptist Church.

Those who met Karen couldn't help but be touched by her captivating smile, genuine warmth, engaging personality and giving heart. To her friends, she was loyal and accepting without fail. Karen was known for and defined by her unparalleled adoration for her family. She will be forever missed by those whom she loved and those whose lives were enriched by her love.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her beloved husband of 32 years, Kenneth J. Wing. She is survived by her daughter, Caitlin (Allen); and son, Corey, both of Madison, MS; her brother, James Carr Hurt (Sue) of Mobile, AL; and a large extended family of nieces, nephews, cousins and in-laws that loved her dearly.

All services will be held at Parkway Funeral Home 1161 Highland Colony Parkway, Ridgeland, MS on Saturday, September 14, 2019. Visitations will be held from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 pm, with interment to immediately follow.

Memorials may be made through the Mississippi State University Foundation and designated for the Famous Maroon Band. Commitments may be made online at

www.msufoundation.com or checks payable to the MSU Foundation Inc. may be mailed to

P. O. Box 6149, Mississippi State, MS 39762. Please indicate Famous Maroon Band as the designation.