When She Thought We Weren’t Looking

When she thought we weren’t looking
She hung our elementary paintings on the refrigerator
And it made us want to paint another.

When she thought we weren’t looking
She baked cakes on every birthday and sang Happy Birthday first thing in the morning
And it taught us that the little things in life are the most special.

When she thought we weren’t looking
She said a prayer
And we believed there was a God we could always talk to.

When she thought we weren’t looking
She made meals for the sick or mourning
And it taught us how important it is to care for those in need.

When she thought we weren’t looking
She cared for a family member with addiction
And it taught us to never give up on your family.

When she thought we weren’t looking
She took over our household and ran it alone
And in so many ways, it taught us to be independent and strong.

When she thought we weren’t looking
She took us to church every Sunday
And it taught us how important it is to walk with Jesus.

When she thought we weren’t looking
She gave her tithe, even when there wasn’t much to give
And it taught us that blessings come to those who are faithful.

When she thought we weren’t looking
She loved us even when we didn’t deserve it
And it taught us how to love our children unconditionally.

When she thought we weren’t looking
She handled difficult situations with gentleness
And it taught us how to be a peacemaker.

When she thought we weren’t looking
We saw tears come from her eyes
And we learned that sometimes things hurt and that it’s all right to cry.

When she thought we weren’t looking
She put her life on hold to keep us in a stable Christian environment
And it taught us that a stable Christian home is where we should raise our children.

When she thought we weren’t looking – We looked.

The Lord truly blessed me when he gave me Granny. Her heart was gold and taught me how to be a good mother, grandmother, friend, and servant of the Lord. She was the best. 

When I think of her I think of how kind, loving, and generous she was. You never saw Granny without a smile on her face. She was humble and was filled with joy and gratitude. She never met a stranger and welcomed everyone with open arms. 

One of my favorite memories is how she always carried a pocket full of double bubble gum. She would give us a piece and then give us extras to share with our friends. It may seem like a small gesture, but it showed how she always thought of others. 

Granny made you feel so special and loved. If you ever made her something, she would tell you it was the best she ever had – and she meant it. We would always laugh when we asked her if she liked something because we knew the answer was always yes. She was always so positive. 

Granny would do anything for us – even if it meant getting a phone she could text off of. If you ever texted Granny, you knew you were not likely to get a response because she didn’t hit send, or you may receive a text from her that was meant to go to someone else. Eventually she would get back to you, and in every text she told you she loved you. 

Granny was an amazing person. We will miss her so much but her legacy lives on in every life she touched.

Granny was the best grandma and role model I could have ever asked for. There were not many childhood memories I have that didn’t involve her. Some of my favorite memories with her were all of our trips to Disney. I was always too scared to ride the
rides there, so while Kylee and Trae rode those, Granny took me to get ice cream to cheer me up. I always go so much ice cream on all of those trips. She always went out of her way to make other feel special and loved. 

Another one of my favorite memories with Granny was our beach week every summer. We always had the best time going to the pool, eating at Peg Leg’s, and playing skip-bo with her. It was something I looked forward to every year, and I know she did too. 

Granny was the best example of a Godly woman. She always put others first and was kind to everyone she met. I can’t thank God enough for choosing me to be her granddaughter. I miss her so much but am so comforted knowing she is out of pain and gets to spend eternity in Heaven.

Every single funeral of a grandparent that I have had pass away has looked the same. People from all over their lives coming to show their respect and love for them. Old friends, distant family, church friends, and neighbors gather to pay respect to our loved one. I'm sure many of you have also had an experience similar to mine. 

If you don't know it now the life you live affects other people. The things you do and the things you say affect other people.

Granny's life was a perfect representation of Matthew 23:39. This verse says to love your neighbor as yourself. If you knew Granny you knew love. It didn't matter who you were or what you've done Granny would hug your neck and give you a piece of double bubble gum. In Matthew 28:19-20 Jesus equips us with the great commission which says "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations baptizing them in the name of the Father Son and Holy Spirit teaching them to follow all that I commanded you" and this is the best part "and behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age".

This is another great representation of Granny she loved our family and made sure that we were always in church and that we always said our prayers when we were little. Granny regularly attended Plainview Baptist Church and loved to tell others about Jesus. 

The word Death has 2 meanings to me. 1 is the earthly meaning of death. For example until my parents moved into the house they live in now every plant that mom brought home could expect and earthly death. This is the death that hurtsn the death that makes us grieve. 

But then there is another meaning of death to me. This meaning of death is depicted in Jesus's death. This death is temporary. This death is the one where Jesus died and went down to hell to steal the keys, laugh in the face of death itself and return alive and well. Just as Jesus died in the flesh and was made alive in the spirit, Granny, by her true faith in Christ is standing side by side with the one  who set her free.

Kylee and Shelby I was so sad to hear this. She bragged on all of her children so much. And always asked about Sydni. She gave me a bag of pecans before Christmas when I went to her house and they were so good. I enjoyed her so much and loved her. 🙏❤️

Karen was a sweet soul and my sisters best friend 💕

I am praying for you all. Your mom was a very special person 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

Our condolences you and Nan and your entire family.  Praying during this difficult time.  Rest in peace Ms.  Karen.

Your mom was simply wonderful. We are praying for you all. So thankful that you could be with her as she entered heaven. No more pain for her. Praises for that.

No more pain.  She is now celebrating with her siblings and Aunt Barbara.  Oh what a reunion that will be.

Your mother was such a sweet woman and loved her family so well. I'm praying for peace and comfort for all of you.

Ms Gandy was the sweetest woman and oh how she loved her beautiful family.

She was the best and will be missed!  🙏

She is a wonderful woman.  So kind.  
Everyone is in my prayers for comfort.

I loved talking with Granny every time I visited. We always had a good laugh about something. She will be missed but continued to be loved. May she rest in peace with the good Lord by her side. ❤️

Such an amazing woman with such a sweet soul. We sure loved Granny!

Your mom was so sweet and caring. Always full of love and kindness. Praying for you all 💕🙏

Karen was Loved by many. Don't know what I would have done with out her during the time my Mother past away. My heart goes out to each of you as yall figure out your new normal. We know where she is for sure. What a blessing we have to be able to draw strength from that. My heart thought and prayer are with all of you.

I loved Ms. Karen very much. Prayers for your family 🙏

You know how much we all loved your Mom. She was like a second mother to me. Prayers going out to you and your family.

I remember your Mom as always being such a sweet soul. Love and prayers to you and your family .

Karen was a wonderful friend ,Mother  Nurse & a Great Christian lady !  She is free from pain & walking the streets of Heaven with Jesus holding her hand !! Praying for God Peace& Comfort !  I love you both & your whole family   🙏🙏🙏😇

It breaks my heart that she is no longer with us but it gives me great comfort knowing she is with our Lord and Savior. I have so many wonderful memories of our time together and I know I will rejoice with her again. My prayers are with you all and I pray you can take great comfort in knowing what a special person your mother was. ❤️🙏

Your Mom was a special person.  I have so many fond memories of Karen, Marie and Mom taking us camping in the summer. ❤️

Mrs. Karen was the sweetest, and I just loved her. And oh how I remember the car accident, she had just left me.  I enjoyed cutting her hair and hearing her stories.

So dad to hear of Karen's passing. Always said hello to her and Charles on their row in Church. She loved my coconut cakes prepared for the Joyful Seniors meetings. She brought me her favorite cooked icing recipe that she had in her recipe book! Sorry to say that I have misplaced it.

My favorite memory was the night that I went to the hospital to meet Trae and visit with Elena and Karen. It was late cause I was a retail mgr and had been working but they welcomed me to come on and see that beautiful boy! I am not sure who was proudest to shape him off Ellen or Karen🩷🥰They both were smoking from ear to ear and so grateful for this bundle of joy! They made me feel special when in fact they were the special ones! Karen will be missed and was a wonderful woman that loved everyone! 🥰🩷🙏🏻 Prayera and love for all of the family.

Karen was a moral and kindness compass for us all. Her smile brightened every room. She was one-of-a-kind. And NOBODY made better fried mullet and cheese grits!! Enjoy the fruits of your labor Karen.

Hi I'm Antoinette her hospice  aide i always look forward to seeing her we always had the best conversation  on our visits she will truly be missed I loved  her sprit .

Prayers go out for the family, may God place His and arms of Love, Peace, and Comfort over you during this transition, we shall meet again.

OBITUARY

Karen Spears Gandy

July 29, 1941 – August 12, 2025

Eastern Gate Memorial Funeral Home and Memorial Gardens

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