Karen was born on March 26, 1956, at Cherry Point, North Carolina, to Thomas Eugene Raines, a member of the U.S. Marine Corps, and Louise Raines. As a "military brat," she lived and attended school in many locations throughout her childhood, both stateside and in Okinawa, Japan. She graduated from Davidson High School in Mobile in 1974 and went on to earn degrees in Psychology and Sociology from Mobile College (now the University of Mobile) in 1978. On April 25, 1992, she married William J. Hyde.
The absolute joy of Karen's life was her son, Nikita (Dru) Hyde. She was also eagerly anticipating the arrival of her first granddaughter, expected in December 2026.
Karen had a deep and abiding faith in Jesus Christ and made it a priority for her family to attend Mass each Sunday. She was an avid reader of novels, enjoyed working in her yard and gardens, spending time with family, and baking wonderful cakes. In recent years, she discovered a love for sewing and created many beautiful quilts and embroidered pieces.
Karen was employed by Cunningham Bounds in Mobile for more than 40 years, retiring as a paralegal in December 2020.
Karen was preceded in death by her father, Thomas Eugene Raines; her mother, Louise Raines; and her sister, Nancy Lynn Raines.
She is survived by her husband, William J. (Bo) Hyde; her son, Nikita Thomas Drury Hyde (Kasey); her expected granddaughter (daughter of Nikita and Kasey); her sister, Jebbie Austin (Jack); her nephews, Ryan Austin (Elizabeth) and Garrett Austin (Tia); and her niece, Sarah Austin. She is also survived by her great-nephew, Tucker Austin; her great-nieces, Sophia Rodriguez-Austin and Tenley Austin; and many wonderful and caring friends who were a constant part of her life.
The family extends its heartfelt gratitude to the many relatives and friends who have prayed for Karen and supported her and her family with kindness, compassion, and comfort over the past several months.
Graveside service will be held on Thursday, July 16, 2026 at 9:30 a.m. at Pine Crest Cemetery, 1939 Dauphin Island Pkwy., Mobile, Alabama. The family will receive family and friends at the Pine Crest Funeral Home immediately following graveside services.
