Karen Elizabeth Tinsley

Born in Bluefield, West Virginia, Karen was a devoted mother, loving grandmother, aunt, sister, and friend who lived her life serving the Lord. Her strong Christian faith was the foundation of her life. While she gracefully walked through a hard journey with Alzheimer’s disease, her faith never wavered. She spent her days sharing Christ’s love to all she came into contact with. Some of Karen’s favorite scriptures to recite were Psalm 23 and The Lord’s Prayer in Matthew 6. She was a loyal member of Calvary Church in Charlotte, NC for over 40 years, serving faithfully in the food service ministry, as well as being the Children’s Choir director for over 20 years. In the later years of her life, she found solace and community at Hickory Grove Baptist Church in Charlotte, NC, where she enjoyed meaningful connections and fellowship with like-minded believers.

Throughout her life, Karen achieved many extraordinary things, with her passion for running playing a significant role. She completed numerous half marathons and marathons, a testament to her perseverance and dedication. Her love for the sport inspired those around her, and she will be remembered not only for her accomplishments but for her determination and spirit.

Karen’s legacy of kindness, servanthood, generosity, and humility lives on through her family. She is survived by her children, Michael (Chrysanthi) Tyburski, Elizabeth (Adam) Hamilton, Sara (Chris) Hopkins, Ashlie (Steven) Deaton, Dustin (Christina) Helms, Brett (Jessica) Helms, sixteen grandchildren, brothers, Harry Lee Tinsley III, Drenner (Marsha) Tinsley, Les (Anne) Tinsley, and a multitude of nieces and nephews. Karen was preceded in death by her parents, Harry L. Tinsley Jr. (Elizabeth), grandson, Parks Tyburski, and niece, Anna Hartsell.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, October 10, 2024 at 10:30 am with a celebration of life immediately following beginning at noon at Calvary Church, 5801 Pineville-Matthews Road, Charlotte, NC 28226. Burial will follow at Magnolia Memorial Gardens on Calvary’s campus. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Calvary Church for Calvary’s Children’s Ministries.

Karen will be cherished for countless reasons, but let us especially remember the way she lived her life. As stated in 2 Timothy 4:7-8, Karen has fought the good fight, finished the race, and kept the faith. She has now received the ultimate prize from our Lord, Jesus Christ: her crown of righteousness.