Karen Dobson Barker

Karen Dobson Barker born September 02,1959, met the Lord on March 23, 2022 at the much too young of an age of 62.

Beloved wife of Gary Michael Barker ( Rosman, NC and Seneca, SC). Gary was a longtime employee of Duke Energy. The Barker's celebrated 35 years of marriage in December 2021. Karen was the daughter of the late Elaine Kelly Kennemore Dobson Pinion(owner of the original Clemson Variety and Frame Shop) and the late Walter Harold Dobson( owner of Dobson's Hardware in Clemson, SC) She was step-daughter of the late W.E. Pinion and daughter -in-law of Barbara Ann Barker of Seneca, SC, and Robert Henry Barker of Clearwater, FL.

Mrs. Barker was born at Anderson Memorial Hospital and grew up in Clemson, SC. She graduated DW Daniel High School in 1977 and graduated from Clemson University in 1981 with a BS in Administrative Management. She attended Clemson Wesleyan Church. Upon her marriage to Gary, she moved to Tega Cay, SC, followed by Concord, NC. Mrs. Barker worked for Clarke American in Charlotte, NC for 17 years. Upon relocating back to Clemson, SC she worked for National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Land Surveyors.

In addition to her husband, she is survived by sisters and siblings-in-law
Vicki Kennemore Hayes (Joe) of Easley, Janice Kennemore Livingston of Pendleton, Melinda Dobson Wilbanks (Steve) of Central and Angie Dobson Kicklighter (Anthony Rapisarda) of Greer; Sister-in-law of Cathleen Miller (Ray) of Olathe, KS and Andrew David Barker(Andrea) of Baton Rouge, LA.

Mrs. Barker also had 11 beloved nieces and nephews, 9 great nieces and nephews and 2 great-great nieces and nephews.

Longtime friend Katie Jerolamon has been a dear and abiding friend, source of joy and a listening post, especially when both their mothers were in the same assisted living facility.

A lover of the outdoors, Mrs. Barker spent many hours cultivating the many plants and flowers around her home. She and Gary purchased their dream property and built a home in Rosman, NC overlooking the beautiful Jocassee Gorges and the lakes of SC. Karen enjoyed hosting meals for friends, much like her mother did. One of the worst aspects of her illness was her lack of being able to hike which is something she really enjoyed.

Karen always had a feline in the house ever since she and Gary married. Current feline family members, both rescues, will miss the loving attention she has given them over the years.

Also, we would be remiss if we didn't mention our dear friends from Indian Camp Mountain who prepared meals and sent prayers and love and offers of help. Also, old friends and family who have been so supportive and started prayer chains all over from Clemson, to Atlanta, Rock Hill, SC, New Jersey, Virginia, Ohio, Kansas, Louisiana, Arizona and more. A special thank you to great niece, Kylie, for praying for Karen every night. Thank you all. Prayers were felt and helped immensely.

The family will receive friends on Friday, April 1, 2022 from 1:00 pm until 1:45 pm at Trinity Wesleyan Church, 700 Issaqueena Trail, Central, SC 29630.

A memorial service will follow in the church sanctuary at 2:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Clemson Paw Partners https://www.clemsonpawpartners.org/, Neuroendocrine Tumor Research Foundation https://netrf.org/, Trinity Wesleyan Church
https://www.twc4u.org/.