Karen was born on December 1, 1953, in Pampa, Texas, to Erwin Sherwood McWilliams and Rose Anna McWilliams. She attended Reagan County Schools in Big Lake, Texas, where she enjoyed many activities, including playing the flute, twirling for the marching band, and being part of the debate team. Karen then pursued her passion for taking care of people, and followed her mother’s footsteps into the nursing field. She earned a BSN from Texas Christian University in 1976, and always loved the color purple and the Horned Frogs. Her nursing career brought her back to Big Lake, where she was named the Director of Nurses at the Reagan County Hospital. She also served the community as President of the school board. Karen held nursing roles at many locations in Lubbock, including the University Medical Center, Grace Health, and the Lubbock Heart Hospital before retiring. Wherever Karen was, you could be sure to find lots of smiles, laughter, hugs, and deep compassion. She fiercely loved her family, her dog, Argo, the Dallas Cowboys, music by Billy Joel, and eating dessert first.
Karen is preceded in death by mother, Rose McWilliams, father, E.S. McWilliams, and sister, Karla Egger. She is survived by her husband, Jack Oliver, brother, Gary Lynn McWilliams (wife Amy), sons Cody Gore and Marty Gore (wife Lindsay), step-daughter Melanie Oliver, nieces Cheryl Hisey (husband Joe), Mallory Plagens, and Gyna Mae McWilliams, nephew Kadyn McWilliams (wife Makalei), granddaughters Reese, Parker, and Elizabeth (Lizzy) Gore and Kaylee Rowland, great-nephew Porter Hisey, and many dear extended family members.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.johnsons-funeralhome.com for the Oliver family.
