Karen Whitaker Sutphin

Karen Whitaker Sutphin (69) passed peacefully into the arms of our Lord on February 1, 2026, at her home in Newberry, SC after a long illness. Her loving, fun, & kind spirit will continue to live on, in all who loved her and cherish her memories.

Karen was born on July 28, 1956, in Little Mountain, SC and spent her childhood years seeing the world as the daughter of First Sergeant (Ret) Louie Watson Whitaker and Thelma Lindler Whitaker. She lived in Texas, Kansas, Germany, Florida, among a few; and graduated high school in Homestead Florida. Her family returned home to Chapin where she settled. She met her husband, Les Sutphin, the love of her life, and married in 1981.

Karen and Les have spent the last 45 years building and creating a family, life, and a successful business together. Along with Les, her children and grandchildren will miss her smiles, support, and affection. She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Stephanie & Daniel McDuffie of Prosperity, SC; her son, Scott Sutphin (Ashley) of Starr, SC; grandchildren Ansley & Adalyn Sutphin, Daniel “Blake” & Ethan McDuffie; her brother, MSG (Ret.) Donald Whitaker & wife Pam; and sisters-in-law, Jackie & Choe. She was predeceased by her parents, and brothers CPO (Ret.) Alvin Whitaker, and MSG (Ret.) Gene Whitaker.

Karen let faith lead her throughout her life and was a member of St. Jacob’s Lutheran Church. She adored her grandchildren and took them to the zoo and to the lake to feed the ducks. She enjoyed long walks with her dogs, boat rides, episodes of Heartland, and Savannah, GA. She was protective of her children. She was mesmerized by the mountains and sunsets. She found peace in quiet moments. She was adventurous and spontaneous and at one time, you could find her on the back of a motorcycle laughing and enjoying life with Les.

Visitation will be held at St. Jacob’s Lutheran Church in Chapin, SC on Thursday, February 5 at 12pm. Services will follow at 1pm, conducted by Rev. David Nuottila, with burial in the church cemetery immediately following. Memorials may be made to St Jacob’s Lutheran Church and MSA Hospice of Newberry in her memory.

The family would like to extend their sincere appreciation to extended family and friends for their support and prayers; the congregation of St. Jacob’s Lutheran Church; and to the staff of MSA Home Health and MSA Hospice for their dedicated and compassionate care.

Pallbearers: Scott Sutphin, Daniel McDuffie, Blake McDuffie, Ethan McDuffie, Robert Lindler, Gerald Lindler