Karen Lee (Walker) Bumgarner
Karen Lee (Walker) Bumgarner
Karen Lee (Walker) Bumgarner, of Vienna, West Virginia, passed away peacefully on Dec. 7, 2024, surrounded by her loving family. Karen was born on April 12, 1943, in Charleston, West Virginia to the late Clifford and Thelma (Parsons) Walker. Karen grew up in Gandeeville and graduated from Walton High School and Charleston Beauty School.
Karen’s life was forever changed when she met the love of her life, Harold, on a blind date orchestrated by mutual friends. Their union became the cornerstone of a life built on devotion and partnership. For 55 wonderful years, they were each other’s greatest support and truest companion, creating a legacy of enduring love that will continue to inspire everyone fortunate enough to have witnessed it.
A devoted mother, Karen dedicated her life to raising her family with love, patience, and a deep sense of care. Her home was a haven where her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren learned the values of kindness, resilience, and compassion. From bustling school mornings to quiet evenings of support during life’s challenges, Karen’s presence was a constant reminder of selfless love.
Karen found immense joy in being involved in her children’s lives. Whether cheering from the sidelines at countless sporting events or celebrating milestones, she was their biggest supporter.
She extended her nurturing spirit beyond her home and into her community and churches. Karen also dedicated her time to numerous organizations, including Junior League, PEO, Parkersburg Day Nursery, Westminster Presbyterian Church and Stout United Methodist Church. She embraced her love of golf, tennis, scrapbooking, and bridge, finding both friendship and fulfillment in these activities.
Karen was the proud and loving mother of Eric Bumgarner, Brad Bumgarner, Kristen (Brian) Clancy, Delaney Bumgarner, and Judah Bumgarner. Her family grew to include grandchildren Brogan Chattin; Hadley, Berkley (Taylor), and Chloe Bumgarner; Lemley and Lizzie Bumgarner; Finn and Beckett Clancy; and great-grandchildren Grayson Bumgarner, Leena Bumgarner, and Dahlia Bumgarner.
Karen is survived by her sisters, Sharon (Marshall) Plemons and Brenda (Stan) Street, as well as many beloved nieces, nephews, lifelong friends and neighbors. She was preceded in death by her brothers, Leslie Wallace Walker and Clifford Mark Walker; sister, Joyce Elaine Walker; brother-in-law William “Bill” Davis; daughter, Sonja (Bumgarner) Chattin; and granddaughter, Lindsey Bumgarner.
Her family takes comfort in knowing Karen is now reunited with those she loved and missed.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date, details to be announced. In lieu of flowers, donations in Karen’s honor can be made to Revelation Fellowship, Global Methodist Church, Parkersburg, WV.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.LeavittFuneralHome.com.