Karen Ellison Erwin

Karen Ellison Erwin

Greenville, SC

Mrs. Karen Ellison Erwin, 66, wife of the late Patrick McLaughen Erwin, passed away Thursday, August 20, 2026 surrounded by family.

Born in Greenville County, the daughter of the late W. Roy Ellison, Jr. and the late Camille Strother Ellison, Karen was a graduate of Eastside High School and went on to earn her Bachelor’s Degree from Clemson University. She worked as a mortgage banker with BB&T and later worked alongside her husband in his accounting practice.

Karen was a devoted wife and mother to her three daughters, and a woman whose heart was always open—to people, to animals, to music, and to life itself. She had an undeniable love for animals and found a special kind of peace and happiness at the beach, where she could spend hours enjoying the sun, sand, and sound of the waves. Music and dancing brought her joy, and she never needed a reason to move to the rhythm.

Karen also had a gift for making connections wherever she went. She loved meeting strangers and could strike up a conversation with just about anyone, often leaving them feeling as though they had known her much longer than they actually had. Her warmth, curiosity, and genuine interest in people were a beautiful part of who she was. Above all, Karen was a loving wife and mother, a free spirit, and someone who embraced the simple joys of life—and she will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Surviving are her daughters, Catherine Camille Erwin (Will Bruce) of Greenville, Mary Dallas Erwin Saboowala (Has) of Houston, TX , and Ryan Elizabeth Erwin of Greenville; her two brothers, Chris Ellison and Kevin Ellison, both of Greenville; and her grandson, Liam McLaughen Crosby.

Memorial services hosted by the family will be held at Christ Church Episcopal Church in the Markley Chapel on Friday, September 4, 2026 at 2:00 p.m.

Visit RobinsonFuneralHomes.com or Robinson Funeral Home & Crematory-Downtown, Easley.