Karen Palmer Willis

Karen Yvonne Palmer Willis, 79, of Moultrie is now reunited with her loved ones in heaven. She passed away peacefully at her residence on Monday, January 22, 2024, having been surrounded by her daughters and caregivers.
Graveside service will be held at 2:00 PM on Sunday, January 28, 2024, at Westview Cemetery.
Born in Pelham, Georgia on August 2, 1944, Karen was the daughter of the late Karry DeLeon Palmer and Annibelle Scarborough Palmer. She was known by her friends for her loyalty and dedication. Karen was also incredibly talented, and was called on by many to coordinate parties as she was a fabulous cook, arranged flowers beautifully, and had an innate ability to capture and execute a party theme perfectly.
Her love for Moultrie coupled with her tremendous work ethic resulted in many successful renovations, beautification projects, and fundraisers. She was one of eight committee members who met weekly to plan the initial Capital Campaign in the early 1980’s for the Arts Center’s renovation which raised nearly $1,500,000. Karen was previously named Colquitt County Woman of the Year, was a past president of the Moultrie Junior Women’s Club, a member of the Morning Glory Garden Club, Federated Guild, Moultrie Service League, Colonial Dames, was a recipient of the Evelyn King Vereen Memorial Service Award given by the Colquitt County Arts Center, and a longtime member of the First United Methodist Church where she also served in many capacities over the years.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, KD Palmer, Jr. of Pelham; and her beloved husband of 53 years, Ed Franklin Willis, III. Many recall a young Karen Palmer teaching Home Economics at Colquitt County High School where she met Ed, who was also a young teacher and coach. Theirs was a love story followed by their students and is still being told to their daughters today. Her family delights in knowing they have been reunited in heaven.
Survivors include her daughter Leigh Willis Bailey and husband William of Americus; daughter Laura Willis Dunaway and husband Dave of Augusta; her sister Brenda Palmer Whigham of Pelham; and her grandchildren whom she loved and adored dearly, Julia Caroline Bailey of Athens; Emily Claire Bailey of Americus; Samuel Willis Dunaway of Augusta; and Katherine Lane Dunaway of Augusta.
Memorial and contributions may be made in lieu of flowers to First United Methodist Church of Moultrie; Colquitt County Arts Center of Moultrie; Colquitt Regional Medical Center Hospice, and Abounding Love Hospice and Homecare.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Baker Funeral Home.