Karen D. McGahagin

Born on November 12, 1941, Karen was the daughter of Hazel Harris Smith and James Curtis Davis. She was the beloved wife of James Reese McGahagin, with whom she shared a life filled with family, friendship, and treasured memories.

Above all, Karen loved her family. She leaves behind her children, Ronnie Newton (Sylvia), Marty Carrell (Dow), and Don P. Newton (Tina); and her stepchildren, Lee Holman (Steele), Sue Mooney (David), and Marion Burkett, James Reese McGahagin, Jr. (Bettina)

Her legacy continues through her grandchildren: Josh Newton (Katie), Tyler Newton (Holly), Emily Walker (Cody), Hannah Owens (Chandler), Harrison Carrell (Jensen), and Holden Carrell; along with her precious 10 great-grandchildren, who brought her tremendous joy.

Karen had a deep appreciation for the beauty of life and a special love for the arts, flowers, and cooking. She found joy in creating beauty around her, whether through a paintbrush, a garden filled with flowers, or a lovingly prepared meal shared with family and friends.

Karen’s creativity was more than a hobby; it was a reflection of how she saw the world. She appreciated color, beauty, detail, and the simple things that often go unnoticed. Whether painting, arranging flowers, cooking for those she loved, or gathering with family, she had a way of making ordinary moments special.

A gifted and accomplished artist, Karen was actively involved in the local and regional arts community. She was a member of the Mobile Art Association, the Watercolor and Graphic Art Society of Mobile and Baldwin Counties, the Shibui Chapter, the Sumi-e Society of America, and the Watercolor Society of Alabama. She also served as a past president of the Watercolor and Graphic Art Society of Mobile and Baldwin Counties. Throughout her artistic journey, Karen received numerous awards in recognition of her exceptional artistic ability and talent. Her artwork was exhibited through several of these organizations, reflecting her dedication, creativity, and lifelong passion for artistic expression.

Karen will be remembered for her artistic spirit, her love of beauty, her generous hospitality, and, most importantly, the family and friends who were blessed to share in her life. Her legacy lives on in the generations she loved, the beauty she created, and the many memories that will forever be treasured.

She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.