Karen Jean Emerson

Karen Jean Emerson passed away peacefully in her sleep on the morning of December 2nd, 2024. She is preceded in death by her parents, Eldon and Martha Kelley; and her sister, Mary Ann Smith. Karen is survived by her brother (Phillip Kelley); son (Richard Emerson); daughter-in-law (Nicole Emerson); grandchildren, (Joseph and Rachael Emerson); and numerous nieces and nephews.

Karen was born January 10th, 1946 in Poseyville, IN moving to Pinellas Park, FL at the age of 12. She graduated from Dixie M. Hollins High School in 1964. She then attended St. Petersburg Junior College receiving her associates degree before transferring to Florida State University where she earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in mathematics education.

Karen taught Mathematics at Boca Ciega High School briefly before starting her teaching career at St. Petersburg Junior College where she taught for 38 years. She retired from full-time teaching in 2011 and continued to tutor family & friends as the need and opportunity arose. She never missed the chance to try and help anyone she could to like math.

Karen enjoyed gardening, walking on the beach, collecting shells, and photography. She sang in her churches choir, played handbells and taught an adult Sunday School class for several decades. She also volunteered her time to assist in the church office, counting the offerings and serving on numerous church committees over the years.

Karen was active in Via De Cristo after making her first weekend. She returned to serve in many roles from leading as Rectora, giving several Rollo’s, served as Prayer Cha and even becoming the “Chicken Lady” when called upon. Karen did not hesitate to serve where asked whatever the role was as long as her God was being glorified and made known to others.

Karen enjoyed traveling with colleagues, family and friends visiting Ireland, Alaska, the Grand Canyon and many other places where work conferences were held. She always took tons of pictures of every place she visited and enjoyed sharing her journeys with others. She enjoyed boating and fishing in the Lower Keys with the Dunns & Muntges and always took pictures of the Key Deer, sunsets and sunrises.

Karen stayed active after retirement walking with neighbors, raising crops in the local church community garden where she taught both of her grandchildren how to grow, harvest and eat what you grew. She enjoyed taking care of her multiple orchids and many other flowering plants. She treasured being “Nana Banana” to her grandchildren taking them on adventures over the summers during “Camp Nana” weeks.

Karen leaves behind a legacy of love, friendship and an undying faith and love for her Savior Jesus Christ. She never passed up an opportunity to pray for those she loved.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, December 14th at 1:00 PM at First United Methodist Church of Pinellas Park where she was a member. A reception will follow in the Fellowship Hall hosted by the United Methodist Women. Karen will be cremated at Garden Sanctuary Funeral Home and interred at Sunnyside Cemetery in St. Petersburg, FL.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in honor of Karen Emerson to the Southern Scholarship Foundation at Florida State University (southernscholarship.org)