Karen Kay Wilson

     Karen Kay Wilson, age 85, of Jackson, Michigan, formerly of Sebring, Florida, passed away Sunday, April 27, 2025, at Henry Ford Hospice Home, Jackson, Michigan.
     Funeral Services will be held at Smith Family Funeral Homes - Houghton Chapel, Ovid, MI, at 1:00 P.M. on Friday, May 2, 2025, with Pastor Kate Schroeder officiating. Burial will take place at Maple Grove Cemetery, Ovid, MI. Visitation will be held at 12:00 P.M. prior to the service.
     Karen was born in Muskegon, Michigan on September 30, 1939, the daughter of Roy Oswald and Nino Serena (Gilmore) Olsen. She was a graduate of Muskegeon Heights High School and Albion College where she met Edward William Wilson. On August 27, 1960, they were married in Muskegon, Michigan. This union lasted fifty-two years until his passing on December 23, 2012.
     After graduation from Albion College, Karen taught elementary school music for many years. Her love of music leaded her to be a church organist for over 50 years, most recently in Florida at Avon Park First Methodist Church. Karen and Ed loved to travel. They visited nearly all the contiguous states, Canada, Alaska, and Europe. They enjoyed trips to Disney with their children and grandchildren.
     Karen's favorite activity was attending musical performances, especially classical music. She enjoyed many things, including reading and shopping with her kids.
     Karen is survived by three children: Amy (Kenneth) Parkinson, Clark (Elizabeth) Wilson, and Margaret Shipman; 6 grandchildren: Lisa (Steven) Lavan, Nicole (Jason) Braun, Andrew (Samantha) Parkinson, Zane Wilson, Ethan Wilson, and Amy (Charlie) Cox; 6 great-grandchildren: Madalyn, Lucas, Brenna, Blaire, Ivy, and Eva, with one more on the way, sister Nino Sidlauskas, sisters-in-law: Patricia Seidel, and Kay (Dave) Stilwell; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Edward, her sister Margaret "Peggy" (James) Swineheart, sister-in-law Norma (Frank) George, and brothers-in-law: Carl Seidel, and Joe Sidlauskas.
     Memorials may be made to Henry Ford Allegiance Hospice Home, 2150 Kingsbrooke Dr., Jackson, MI 49202. Online condolences may be made at www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes - Houghton Chapel, Ovid, Michigan.