Karen Barron

Karen Trowell Barron died on January 26, 2024 at her residence on Hilton Head Island, S.C. She was 69.

Karen was born August 31, 1954 in Orangeburg, S.C. She grew up in her beloved hometown of Fairfax, S.C. She attended schools in Allendale County and graduated from Allendale-Fairfax High School. Karen was Miss Allendale County and a contestant in the Miss South Carolina pageant.  Karen received her Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of South Carolina in 1978. At age 21, during her senior year, Karen was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. With her strong will and determined spirit, she went on to secure her Master of Education degree in 1984. She was a caring and dedicated educator to many special students in the low country.

Karen married Robert Barron, who was the principal at Jasper Middle School while she taught at Jasper Primary School. They made Hilton Head Island their home for 39 years.

Karen, known affectionately as "KK", was a loving aunt and took great interest in her nieces and nephews, always pushing them to excel in their academics and endeavors. She was a lover of dogs, and will be greatly missed by her loyal "Duchess". Karen will be remembered for her tremendous strength and tenacity, handling her life's struggles with dignity and grace.

Karen is survived by her devoted husband, Robert Ambrose Barron of Hilton Head; niece, ZoE Henderson McCrary, husband Mac of Furman, S.C. and their children, her "greats", Mary, Harrison, Crew, and Ford; sister in law, Kathleen Hartz, husband Joseph of Marion Center, P.A.; niece Kasi Alsoof, husband Kody of Marion Center, P.A.; nephew, Jamie Hartz of Arlington, V.A.; uncle, Donald Lee Harrison of Greenville, S.C.; great aunt, Sarah Harrison Corbin of Brunson, S.C.; and many wonderful cousins of the Trowell, Harrison, Dowling, Ford, Ware and Johnson families. Karen is predeceased by her mother, Barbara Harrison Johnson; sister, Edith "Ede" Harrison Trowell; sister, Ellen 'Ele" Harrison Trowell; father, Luke Trowell; step-father, Andrew Charles Johnson; maternal grandparents, Edith Dowling Harrison and John Gary Evans Harrison; paternal grandparents, Ellen Griner and William Benjamin Trowell.

The family will receive friends during a time of visitation on Friday morning, February 16, 2024 from 9:30 until 11:00 at Bellinger Chapel United Methodist Church, 634 Old Orangeburg Road, Fairfax, SC 29827.  A graveside service will follow at 11:30 at the Brunson Cemetery, where generations of her family are interred.  Peeples-Rhoden Funeral Home, 300 Mulberry Street in Hampton is in charge of arrangements.