Mrs. Karen Lynnette Thomas Coleman

Karen Lynnette Thomas Coleman
March 29, 1950 - September 7, 2025

Karen and her twin sister, Sharon were born in St. Louis, MO to Corloyd and Gloria Thomas. Karen was older “by ten minutes.” Soon after birth, the family moved to New York City. She graduated from Andrew Jackson High School and enrolled in Atlantic Union College in South Lancaster, MA. There she met her “Southern Gentleman”, James Coleman, a native of Atlanta, GA. They were married in 1973 after her graduation with a degree in Nursing. The couple moved to Hinsdale, IL where she began practicing as a Registered Nurse. After a brief assignment on a Medical/Surgical Unit, she transferred to the Operating Room where she spent the next forty-two years. During her career, she held licenses in Illinois, Washington, DC, Maryland, Georgia and North Carolina. She developed a reputation for high standards of nursing practice and fierce advocacy for the welfare of her patients. She retired from the OR at UNC Johnston in 2017.

Upon retirement, Karen became more active in St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Smithfield. In addition to singing in the choir, she was a member of the Altar Guild, Episcopal Church Women and the local chapter of the King’s Daughters.
She developed a love of music at an early age, as both parents were musicians and music teachers. She played piano, sang and often attended the choral music festivals on the North Carolina coast.

Karen is survived by her husband James of 52 years, her sister Sharon, their daughter, Donna, several cousins and countless dear friends.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to:
St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 218 S. Second Street, Smithfield, NC 27577 or SECU Hospice House C/O Johnston health Foundation, P.O. Box 1376, Smithfield, NC 27577.
Viewing/Visitation:  Tuesday September 16, 2025, at Walter Sanders Funeral & Cremation Services Chapel 302 S. Bright Leaf Blvd., Smithfield, NC 27577 from 1:00 pm until 6:00 pm.  
Funeral Services: St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 218 S. Second Street, Smithfield, NC 27577 Wednesday September 17, 2025, from 11:00 am until 12:00 pm. 
Link for the livestream via Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85009050955?pwd=vAWtBLIyPRJ9xKl7jVY9rbfdnr09Zn.1
Starts at 11:00am until 12:30 pm Wednesday September 17, 2025
Meeting ID: 850 0905 0955
Passcode: 851451
Interment: Knollwood Cemetery 4362 US-70 Business Clayton, NC.

Click on the Add Comment Line Below to leave a message for the Coleman Family

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Family or Deceased Name: Karen Coleman
Your Name: John Ward
Email: johnward8707@yahoo.com
Message: To Donna and Family,
I am truly sorry for your loss. My prayers continue to be with you all. May God provide that peace that passeth all understanding.

Family or Deceased Name: Karen Coleman
Your Name: Jennifer Jamerson
Email: JenVibesUP@outlook.com
Message: Karen was a very kind and compassionate passionate person. I am so grateful I was allowed the opportunity to sit in her space while she was on this earth. Much peace and love to the family.
Date: 09172025

Family or Deceased Name: Karen Coleman
Your Name: Denny Curtin
Email: sixtysup@yahoo.com
Message: James, I did not know Karen, but after reading all of the comments written about this loving and caring person, it is my loss to not have known her. May God bless you and all family members during this time of grief. Your friend.
Date: 9-16-2025

Family or Deceased Name: Karen Coleman
Your Name: CID
Email: werschmelzer@gmail.com
Message: Karen was such a lovely and sincere person. We shared many stories. That smile she had would just pick me up!
Date: 09152025

Family or Deceased Name: To the Colman and Thomas family
Your Name: Afriyie Johnson
Email: talk2afriyie@gmail.com
Message: Please accept my deepest condolences. My heart breaks for you as I know how hard it is to lose a LOVED one. But we have the promise of the resurrection
and reunion never to part again. May God's peace rest with you and know I am here to pray for and support you in any way I can. I thank God for a life well lived. Until we meet again.
love you all
Afriyie Johnson
Date: 3522383787

Family or Deceased Name: Karen Coleman
Your Name: Lynn King
Email: lynn.king34@yahoo.com
Message: Karen was a highly respected and very skilled RN . She provided excellent care to every patient she encountered. More importantly, she was a wonderful, kind Christian lady Lifting prayers for her family
Date: 09132025

Family or Deceased Name: Mrs. Karen Coleman
Your Name: Beverly Easton
Email: Beverlyeaston5@gmail.com
Message: To Elder Coleman, Donna Coleman, and family, you all have my heartfelt sympathy for such a great loss.
Karen was always smiling and such a joy to be around. The one thing I will never forget is how she and her husband went to Atlanta when my daughter was sick, and Karen was such a big help for my daughter. She gave her words of encouragement, kindness, love and support which meant so much to all of us, but especially to my daughter. That kind of love that Karen showed will continue to live on in our hearts and our thoughts.
I will continue to keep you all in my prayers and thoughts. God bless you all.
Date: 9132025

Family or Deceased Name: Karen Coleman
Your Name: Susan Lassiter
Email: Lassitersusan@aol.com
Message: Karen was one of the kindest friends I've ever known. She carried a happiness that was contagious. I admired her for her medical service, especially in the operating room, and for her love of classical music. What a dear person she was to many in our community. I feel such a loss and send my deepest sympathy to James Coleman and family. Susan Lassiter, Smithfield
Date: 919-669-9235

Family or Deceased Name: Karen Coleman
Your Name: Natchez Triumphant SDA Church
Email: delithom6@yahoo.com
Message: Elder Coleman we are deeply saddened to hear of your loss. We are sending heartfelt prayers and condolences! You are in our thoughts and prayers. May the memories of Karen bring you strength, comfort and peace! Hang in there! All the best wishes for you and your family. Prayerfully yours! Natchez Triumphant SDA Church
Date: 6013921138

Family or Deceased Name: Karen Coleman
Your Name: Teresa Chappell
Email: chapter083@yahoo.com
Message: Mr. Coleman and Donna, I am so sorry to hear of Karen’s passing. I never saw her without a smile on her face or a pleasant word that she shared with you when you were in her presence. She will be truly missed. She was such a wonderful person. Prayers for all of you during this time. Teresa
Date: 09102025

Family or Deceased Name: Karen Colemen
Your Name: Ralph and Rose Dawkins
Email: dawkinsr@comcast.net
Message: Our hearts are sad to know that someone who we crossed paths with in this life is now gone. We will remember Karen’s beautiful voice as Ralph sang with her in choirs at Atlantic Union College. We send our deepest sympathies to you James and your family. We pray that God sends peace to your hearts as we wait the Second Coming of our Lord and Savior. Sincerely, with Ralph and Rose Dawkins
Date: 978-808-7198

Family or Deceased Name: Mrs. Karen Coleman
Your Name: Amy Hamby
Email: a83101@gmail.com
Message: Sending prayers and love to the family. Mrs. Karen was a caring and kind person, with such a sweet soul. She was a dedicated and excellent Nurse, who truly cared about her patients. She was an inspiration to all of us!!



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