Karen Herndon McWilliams

Born on April 26, 1943, in Alexandria, VA, Karen was the daughter of parents who both worked on Capitol Hill during WWII. She was raised in Carrollton, GA, and Albemarle, NC, where the traditions of Southern grace shaped her spirit of kindness and generosity.

Karen was a proud graduate of Albemarle High School, St. Mary’s College, and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where she was a member of Delta Delta Delta sorority and earned a bachelor’s degree in social work. She loved her career as a social worker in Winston-Salem and Asheville. While Karen was first and foremost a beachgoer (Kiawah was her favorite), she always felt at home tucked in the Blue Ridge Mountains.

A devoted wife and loving mother, Karen’s life journey took her to Virginia, Tennessee, Georgia, and ultimately back to North Carolina. Karen adapted to each new locale with resilience, warmth, and wit, building lasting friendships wherever she lived. Despite her petite stature, Karen lived large, brightening any gathering with her welcoming and fun-loving personality.

One of Karen’s greatest joys was her work at York Simpson Underwood in Raleigh’s Cameron Village branch. She was a beloved and steady presence in the office, where her smile, encouragement, and competence supported countless agents and colleagues who remained lifelong friends.

She is survived by her daughter, Kinsey Wennerstrom (Jim) of Durham, grandchildren Hannah (Andrew), Eric, and Georgia; her daughter, Elizabeth Kimzey of Houston, grandchildren Harris and Claire; her sister, Allison Poplin (Reggie) of Albemarle; and many beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins. Karen was preceded in death by her husband of 55 years, William Brymer McWilliams, and her parents, Thomas Ambrose Herndon, Helen Kinsey Harris, and James Lyles Harris.

The family would like to thank Donna Colyer for her unwavering love and support, Rex Healthcare for their care, and last, but certainly not least, her shih tzu Bailey, who was her constant companion.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on May 3, 2025, at Christ Episcopal Church, 120 Edenton Street, Raleigh, NC.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to The Daniel Center, 735 Rock Quarry Road, Raleigh, NC, 27610. www.danielcenter.org.

Brown-Wynne, 300 Saint Mary's Street, Raleigh is serving the McWilliams family.