Karen Leslie Burcham

Karen Leslie Burcham, 67, of High Point, NC, passed away at home Sunday, September 20, 2026. She had lived in the Greensboro/High Point area since moving to Greensboro over 45 years ago.

She is survived by her brother, Brian Burcham of Hampton, Virginia. She had a special bond with Brian and those that knew them would say, even if they weren’t siblings, they would still be friends.

She also leaves to cherish her memory, her Aunt Nell and Uncle Kenneth on her mother’s side; and her Aunt Nancy, Aunt Becky and Uncle Lavin & Aunt Loretta on her father’s side along with numerous first, second and third cousins. She loved her family ties and always looked forward to family get togethers.

Born in Hampton, Virginia on June 20, 1959, Karen was the daughter of the late Mackie and Thelma (Rodgers) Burcham. From an early age, Karen would learn God’s word through the teachings and sermons at Greenwood Pentecostal Holiness Church, where her father was a deacon.

Karen began her education in Hampton, VA at Francis Mallory elementary school and eventually graduated from Bethel High School. She was proud to be a Bruin! After high school, she attended Thomas Nelson Community College (TNCC) in Hampton, VA to develop her career as a Medical Records Administrator.

Karen always had a carefree spirit. After she decided college wasn’t for her, she moved to Greensboro, NC where she rekindled her friendship with Debbie East and made a close friend in David Hughes. These two would continue their friendship with Karen for the next 54 and 44 years, respectively.

Initially, she lived with her Grandmother Burcham, who had a huge spiritual influence on Karen. After trying different jobs and making friends, which was easy for Karen to do, she settled into a career as a Bookkeeper at Big Lots Stores, Inc. This change gave her motivation to make changes in other areas of her life. She stayed with Big Lots for almost 15 years.

When her mother moved to Greensboro, they found an apartment together. Sadly, Karen developed Rheumatoid Arthritis and her mother’s health started to decline. Karen had to make the decision to end her employment with Big Lots and that’s when Karen gave her heart and soul to the Lord. They lived together until her mother’s passing in 2011.

Karen lived the last 14 years of her life as a resident at Admiral Pointe apartments. Here she made a few friends, but not one closer than with her next-door neighbor and good friend, Phyllis. They cherished their friendship and shared a common interest for the love of God.

During her life, Karen loved watching the Washington Redskins and watching the Hampton Gulls and the Greensboro Monarchs hockey team. She was an avid fan of the rock band Bon Jovi with a special interest in Richie Sambora. Her mother would take Karen and her cousin Becca on trips to meet the band. Karen also enjoyed going to the mountains, the Outer Banks and Washington, DC. The most memorable trip was to Niagara Falls. She enjoyed tv shows on MeTV, would share a joke or two that she saw on Comedy Central and would always find time for a Christian tv show and/or concert.

She leaves behind a lifetime of love, laughter, and countless cherished memories.

Karen will be deeply missed by her brother, her relatives and friends and certainly by countless others she has met along the way. The family is asking for relatives and friends to gather for a Graveside service on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, at 12:00pm at Guilford Memorial Park, 6000 West Gate City Blvd, Greensboro, NC, 27407. Family and friends may share a few words and memories of Karen during the service.

One of Karen’s favorite scriptures: Matthew 5:9 KJV - Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. She was truly a child of God.

Hanes-Lineberry Sedgefield Chapel is honored to serve the Burcham family.