Karen Elizabeth Phillips

Karen Elizabeth Phillips (72), of Kings Mountain, NC, passed away in her sleep on November 29, 2022.

She was born in Wolfeboro, NH on August 3, 1950, the eldest child of William Locke and Dorothy Falls Locke.

She was preceded in death by her parents and brother Lloyd Locke, and lost her husband of 16 years, Joe Phillips in 2020.

Karen is survived by her "Babygirl", Lori Locke-Bohannon, DVM (husband Pat), of Austin, TX, brother William "Les" Locke (wife Carolyn), and sister Charmaine Drushella, both of Canyon Lake, TX, her beloved cat Lily, and numerous nieces and nephews.

She spent her formative years in New Hampshire and Maine before heading to Texas with her parents. The family grew, first with Lloyd, then a 12th birthday present of Les, and lastly a baby sister, Charmaine. Her life in Texas was highlighted by the birth of her greatest love and achievement, Lori. Karen was a strong and independent, if not stubborn, single mom who passed those same traits to her daughter. One of her greatest strengths was her devotion to family, young and old, first raising two teenagers, Lori and Charmaine, and caring for her ailing mother. Karen began another chapter in her life by moving to North Carolina to care for her grandparents and great-uncle and aunt for a decade.

It was there she met a local boy who turned her into a Honda Goldwing motorcycle mama. They enjoyed traveling around the country, where she even won a Goldwing in a raffle. Their motorcycle days came to an end after an accident in Florida. Karen received near-fatal injuries but through her resilient nature she persevered through months of rehab to return to North Carolina. She and Joe were married in 2004 and were blessed with 16 years together until his passing in 2020.

Although she had enduring effects from the accident, her passing was unexpected. She was an awesome mother, and mother-in-law, who leaves behind great sadness but more so, great memories. Karen, we love you and miss you but will never forget you.

Condolences may be made online at www.greenefuneral.com