Karen Gay Ware

Karen Gay Ware blessed us all on this earth with 69 years of her life. She passed away on Dec 11, 2023. Karen was a wonderful mother, Gran, G Gran, sister and friend. She had so many friends near and far that were dear to her. Karen was born on Sept 9,1954 to Darvin & Eunita Bailey. She graduated from H. Grady Spruce High School. She married shortly thereafter and had her only daughter, Stephanie. A few years later she divorced. For years, Karen worked in the medical field. This is where she would meet her soulmate, Elgin W Ware Jr, in 1981. Karen retired in 1994 and spent her time volunteering with various women's shelters, serving on their boards and helping start the medical clinic for the homeless in Dallas.

Karen & Elgin married December 12, 1985. They had a love like no other. They lived a very rich and fulfilling life of serving others, traveling and sailing. Working with First Presbyterian Church, Elgin became the medical director of The Stewpot Medical Clinic caring for the homeless of Dallas. The clinic would later be renamed the Elgin W. and Karen G. Ware Medical Clinic.

Upon Dr. Ware’s death in November 2012, the Karen G. and Elgin W. Ware Jr. Endowed Lectureship and Fellowship Program at Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary and the Elgin W. Ware Jr. MD Endowed Lectureship Fund at The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Foundation were founded. Additionally, they began the Karen G. and Elgin W. Ware, Jr. Collection of prints and drawings of the human condition at the Blanton Museum of Art on the University of Texas campus. They also commissioned the Ware Bell for the Shelton Chapel tower at Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary, which tolls for weddings, convocations, graduations, and funerals.

Elgin passed away in Nov 2012. Karen was delighted knowing by her faith that she would one day join him again with the Lord.

A few years following Elgin’s death, Karen moved to Galveston where she lived for approximately 8 years. This was a frequent vacation spot for them. It was in Galveston where she found peace sitting on her deck watching the water and waves. The beach was her happy place. Karen made so many new and dear friends there. She became an active member at the Galveston Country Club where she picked up golfing. She & her friends played golf, Mah Jong, and generally had fun. Karen enjoyed being active in a wide variety of Galveston events including participation in Momas, a Mardi Gras krewe. In keeping close family ties, an annual Girls Trip involved her sisters, cousins and daughter and was an event not to be missed. The only guy that was “allowed” to attend was her son-in-law, Robert who Karen named him as “Butler Bob” .He would cook and cater to the ladies on the trip.

Karen had a love for dogs through the years. Bella, Delilah, Sampson, Annabelle and Max are to name a few. She spoiled her furbabies like no other.

Karen returned to Dallas in 2021 moving into Presbyterian Village North where she quickly developed many new friends attending weekly Sunday Brunch, playing Texas Hold’em, and participating in many other activities.

Karen was preceded in death by her late husband Elgin W Ware Jr and her parents Darvin & Eunita Bailey.

She is survived by her daughter Stephanie Gay Bishop and her husband Robert.

Grandchildren – Makala Gaines and her husband Tyler, Steven Beck and Kristiana Matlock.

Great GrandChildren – Rae – Leigh Gaines, Peyton Gaines, Kayden Hays, Sorah and Azriel Murdock.

Sisters- Genie Bailey Smith and her husband Revis , Cindy Wingo and her husband Scot

Niece – Jill Brewer and her husband Josh

Karen is also survived by several dearly loved cousins and friends.

She will be missed by everyone who was blessed to have known her and came across paths with her. Her funny, loving, and spunky personality will not be forgotten. Until we meet again! We love you.

Visitation – Tuesday, December 19, 2023, 6:00-8:00 PM at Sparkman/Hillcrest Funeral Home, 7405 W. Northwest Highway, Dallas, TX 75225

Service – Wednesday, December 20, 2023, 3:00 PM at First Presbyterian Church, 1835 Young Street, Dallas, TX 75201 - Reception following

Memorial gifts may be made to the Genesis Women’s Shelter (https://www.genesisshelter.org/) or

The Stewpot, a community ministry of First Presbyterian Church of Dallas (https://thestewpot.org/give)