Karen Turner Hardy

Karen Turner Hardy, but best known as “Gogo” by her grandchildren, passed away into the loving arms of Jesus Christ on October 25, 2025, at the age of 73. Her life as an educator, teacher, friend, loving wife and Mom touched so many lives. Her eyes were always on faith in Jesus and His Holy Word.

Karen Elaine Turner Hardy was the third of four daughters born to Maggie and Paul Turner from Pocahontas, Virginia. Paul and Maggie were wonderful parents, raising their girls in a small town with Christian values and much love. Karen’s sisters, Jenny, in heaven already, and Ruby and Janice, have always been wonderful supportive sisters.

Karen was always a joiner. If there was a school club she had interest in, she joined and excelled. If there was something to try out for, she would do it, even in elementary school. When she got to high school, she joined the band and became a majorette who twirled a fire baton! She became a cheerleader and was captain her senior year. She was on the homecoming court every year and crowned queen and also Mayday Queen. She loved journalism and was yearbook editor, and she was also on student council. She won best all-around her senior year in high school.

Karen became a Christian at age seventeen at a revival. She accepted Christ to the invitation song, “Softly and Tenderly,” and she will never forget that Pastor William Davis was the man who led her to Christ. She began teaching Vacation Bible School, children’s Bible study classes, and even was a camp counselor one year.

Life dealt Karen a serious injury as a result of a horrible motorcycle accident, and she had to learn to walk again at age twenty-one. With the strength God gave her, she never doubted that she would recover. Also, being only twenty-one, she believed she could do anything.

She began college at a small Virginia university where she won best supporting actress and was on the homecoming court. Karen attended University of Houston and majored in education. Later, she was honored with selection as Teacher of the Year at Humble ISD. Karen went back to college for a Master’s Degree and then also got a principal certification. While these degrees and accolades were wonderful for a brief time, Karen understood that the world would soon forget what she had done. One day while her girls were in middle school, Karen realized that praying with her daughters before they went to school meant so much more than any worldly accolades could have.

One year at a Mardi Gras celebration in New Orleans, Karen met Mark Hardy, and although they lived thousands of miles apart, what God wants to put together, He will find a way to accomplish His purpose.They were married three years later and started their lives together in Houston. Karen often said Mark was “her lifeboat.” They prayed for children, and God gave them two girls, Jessica Leigh-Erin, and after moving to California for Mark’s job, Lauren Martha. Both of these girls became their heartbeats! Karen had such pride in her girls, and having five grandchildren added to her blessings. Her love for her grandchildren has been made perfect with all accepting Christ as their personal Savior, and all will one day be reunited in Heaven.

“I will lift up my eyes to the hills, from whence comes my help? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.” Psalms 121:1-2

A visitation will be held at Kingwood Funeral Home, located at 22800 Highway 59 North, Kingwood, TX 77339, on October 29, 2025, from 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm.

The funeral service will take place at the same location on October 30, 2025, from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm.