She attended Avondale Elementary School and Washington County High School, graduating in the class of 1972. Soon after graduation she went to work at South Central Bell and continued working for BellSouth and then AT&T as the company name changed, retiring in January 2009 after 37 years.
A believer in Jesus Christ, Karen was a very kind, caring person, always finding joy in helping others. She loved animals and took good care of her pets.
Karen was predeceased by her mother, Lola Evelyn Clutts Barnes; father, Woodrow Wilson Barnes; brother, Richard Earl Barnes; step-mother, Betty Dickinson Barnes; and ex-husband, Wayne Dickinson.
She is survived by a sister, Judy Barnes Anderson (Andy); brother, Thomas Woodrow Barnes (Charlotte); many nieces and nephews; long-time companion, Barry Lawson; his children, Nathan Lawson, Amber Lawson McCann, and five grandchildren.
Memorial donations may be made to the Birmingham Humane Society or a charity of your choice.
Visitation will be held at Ridout's Gardendale Chapel, 2029 Decatur Hwy, Gardendale, Alabama 35071, on August 7, 2026, at 1:00 pm. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at Ridout's Gardendale Chapel, 2029 Decatur Hwy, Gardendale, Alabama 35071, on August 7, 2026, at 2:00 pm.
Final Resting Place will be at Forest Hill Cemetery, 431 6th Street N, Birmingham, AL 35212.
