Karen Widener Hargette

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.