Karen Widener Hargette

karen hargette

July 28, 1949 ~ December 24, 2018

Born in: Knoxville, TN
Resided in: Lilburn, GA

Karen Kaye Widener Hargette of Lilburn, Georgia passed away on December 24, 2018 at her home. Karen was born July 28, 1949 in Knoxville, Tennessee. She is preceded in death by her parents Marian McHenry Childress and Albert Rowland Widener, Jr. Karen is survived by her husband, David P. Hargette, Jr.; her son, D. Paul Hargette III of Atlanta; daughter, Katherine E. Hargette of Lilburn; beloved grandsons, Jonathan, Bradley and Mason; sister Mary E. McIntosh; and nieces and nephews. Karen moved to Albany, Georgia as 9th grade started at Merry Acres Middle School, then attended Albany High School; then to Atlanta, Georgia for her senior year of high school at North Fulton High School. Upon graduation, she attended The University of Georgia and was a member of Zeta Tau Alpha . Post graduate degrees followed at Georgia State University. Karen began her career in education at Dresden Elementary in DeKalb County. She continued her career as a counselor with Gwinnett County School System at Richards Middle School and Mountain Park Elementary School. After retirement she served as a retired employee as a counselor, then as a parapro for special education at Trickum Middle School. Karen loved her family and the special relationship with her three grandsons. During retirement she loved having a booth at Five Forks Antique Mall; the special enjoyment of her book club; and her grandsons’ activities. Karen never left education and counseling after retirement. She worked with the grandsons in their schoolwork and offered comfort and counseling advice to many. Many lives were touched by her presence. A memorial service will be held Sunday, January 13, 2019, at 3:00 p.m. at Mountain Park United Methodist Church, 1405 Rockbridge Road SW, Stone Mountain, GA 30087. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Karen’s life. Send condolences to Wages & Sons. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (www.pancan.org ) and Mountain Park UMC, P. O. Box 871147 Stone Mountain, GA 30087 in memory of Karen W. Hargette.

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  1. My precious sister, you have left us all too soon.
    May you Rest In Peace, knowing all the good you provided during your time on earth.
    I miss you so very much.

  2. Karen, you will be truly missed. I will miss your openness to say what was on your mind and miss being with you at all the parties, soccer camps, etc. I am so glad my true friendship with your amazing daughter Katherine, allowed me to get to know you both as a friend and educator.

  3. My friend from college days. You provided me with so many laughs and a friendship that withstood decades of each going separate ways. While we didn’t see each other often, I always found comfort knowing that you were there. Now you are gone and my heart is heavy. I hope to see you again for several more rounds of laughter.

  4. We will miss our dear friend and neighbor of 30+ years and remember the wonderful time we spent with all our children playing together. Our prayers are with you and all the family that you are leaving behind. You will be greatly missed!

  5. Karen, I will miss the way you added light to our MOPS sales as well as our varied chats. I was sure we had more of them in our futures. Your love of Katherine and her boys was so very evident. What a wonderful Mother and Grandmother they had in you.

  6. Karen was a shining light. Always had a smile on her face no matter what! I have known her for 50 years and she never let me or Buffy down. Rest in peace, Karen. God bless your sweet family!

  7. David,
    We are saddened to hear of the passing of your lovely wife and our fellow church member at Mt. Park UMC. We pray God’s comfort over you and family during the following days.
    Tom & Marian Givens and Ron Givens
    Mt. Park UMC

  8. Dear David and Family,

    There was only ONE Karen, but those friends whose lives she touched were countless. We are scattered throughout America,, but we all have a common bond…we share nothing but good-time memories of Karen. My friendship with Karen began 50 years ago at Dresden Elementary. Karen included my mom, Millie, many times when we visited or had a girl’s outing. The laughters abounded every time we were together.
    I am one of many that will miss her …

  9. I am honored to have been your counselor partner at RMS. You, Julie and I had such a wonderful time during our career sharing stories, laughs, tears, adoption, and professional experiences you always thought we were the best team.. We had many fun times and your laughter was contagious. I will miss you, my friend.

  10. You were the best mom a daughter could ask for. You were such a strong woman. I will always remember you in each passing day. You were an amazing grandmother and my boys will miss you too. I can’t wait to see you again mom. I love you.

  11. Karen,
    I’ll miss the advice you always gave me. Don’t worry, I’ll take good care of the boys. I’ll miss you.

  12. Karen you were a good friend. We had lots of fun times together. I thought of you just a few days ago and I did not know you had been sick. You will be missed. Sending Love and esters for your family. ❤️????

  13. You will be missed! You were always such a bright spot in our day and we always loved to see your beautiful smile. Your battle was was so hard, but your strength and attitude gave us all a reminder of what a powerful and strong woman you always have been. May your memory will be a blessing and comfort for your family.

  14. Dear David and Katherine,

    Our hearts break for you and your family on this profound loss. Karen was a not only a dear friend, but she was a “rock” of professional counseling expertise who meant more than Alan, Elisabeth, or I could express (and over so many years).

    Karen was among the first school professionals/friends/colleagues to appear at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta – Egleston – after Elisabeth was grievously injured in 2002. Despite horrific and unprecedented circumstances, Karen stood by our side with unwavering faith, optimism, support and conviction, she never lost faith in what Elisabeth could overcome, and she rejoice with us time and again when every prediction was exceeded. She was always there, always present, and always faithful and supportive. No one could have done more to support, inspire, comfort, and to steady us …. especially when everything we wanted to be true was in chaos.

    We will forever be grateful for Karen and for what she and your entire family has meant to us. You are part of our history, part of the “team” that comprises our history, our life, and that makes life worth living. We are devastated by Karen’s loss, that in the hectic pace of life we didn’t realize how dire things were for our dear friend, and yet we pray that you and Katherine know how much we loved Karen and that we love you all…… and that we will always be here to support you and whatever you need,

  15. Karen will be greatly missed by so many people including myself. She always had a smile and great love for her family. Thoughts with everyone through this difficult time.

  16. Heaven has a new angel. Karen is fondly remembered with love and big smiles. She always made time to listen, laugh and help all of us at RMS. I am glad I got to work with Karen. I remember how happy she was when Katherine came into her life! May God bless her and her loved ones mourning her loss.

  17. Karen, I attended Merry Acres Junior High School with you. I’m sure our paths crossed daily. I wish I had known you as an intimate friend. You are an amazing person. You accomplished so much in your lifetime. I know your family is so proud of you and all those you helped over these many years will never forget you! May you Rest In Peace in the arms of your Heavenly Father. >

  18. Karen was a lovely person who listened to everyone and their points of view. She had an infectious laugh and we had many good times together at RMS. She will be missed. My condolences to her family.

  19. I am so very sad at the loss of my sweet friend. We met at Dresden when I began teaching in 1974 and stayed very close until I left for Cobb in 1990. We stayed in touch after that. And even though it wasn’t on a frequent basis, it would be like we never lost touch when we’d finally see each other again. I last saw Karen last February when we got together to celebrate the birthday of another dear Dresden friend who had just gotten a devastating diagnosis. Karen looked beautiful and was just-well-Karen. I also saw a photo of her with friends on Facebook just a few weeks ago. I was in shock to hear that she passed away. Several of us were planning to get together with her when we knew she felt up to it. This was so unexpected. RIP, dear friend. You will be sorely missed.

  20. Karen, how you will be missed. You supported so many of us with strength, advice, tough words, laughter, and love. I had the privilege of knowing you as a colleague and a friend, God speed.

  21. Mrs. Karen,
    Thank you for being a wonderful grandmother to our grandkids. You were always the best grandmother and will always be the best grandmother. We all will miss especially around the holidays and birthdays. I will always remember the great times we had and stories we shared. Words cannot explain what you meant to me nor how much you affected my life. We love you.

  22. I am so sorry for your loss of your wife, mother and grandmother. I met and befriended Karen at UGA and we were sorority sisters in the Zeta’s. She was a beautiful, funny charismatic person that was always up for anything. I came to Atlanta for 2 years after graduating and continued to see Karen. Though I moved west in 1973 I kept up with her through mutual friends and the occasional visit.
    It’s clear her life was rich with her family, friends and work. I had no idea she had been ill. My thoughts are with you all as you grieve and celebrate her life.

  23. Karen:

    You will be in our hearts and memories forever. From the time Katherine and Katie were Tennis partners in Middle school, throughout their years at Parkview! We laughed and “frowned” at many tennis matches! I’m so glad Katherine and Katie have remained friends; both being very good moms! You impacted so many young lives with your excellent advice! It was obvious, you genuinely had their best interests and future in you heart! Rest well; do not worry; know your family has an abundance of friends that love them and will be there to help in any way possible to help.

    Good bless!
    Greg and Vannette Chandler

  24. Karen, you will be forever missed and loved by the entire Caswell family. Our years associated with you and your precious family were awesome and happy years! You meant so much to our Callie at Mountain Park Elementary, and she sends her love to you, dear Karen, and to Katherine, David, Paul, Jonathan, Bradley and Mason!
    You will be forever in our hearts and will be sorely missed.


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