Karen (Bailey) Walton

Karen Bailey Walton passed peacefully into death on Monday, May 1, 2023, at her home. She was preceded by her parents, Lucille Hopkins and Cary Bailey; her brother, Herbert Bailey, and her sister, Eleanor Watson, and brother-in-law, Dorsey Watson. She is survived by her husband of 56 years, Rev. George Walton; her son, Marc Walton of Olivia, NC; her daughter, Kari Walton of Sun Prairie, WI; her daughter, Holly Walton of Olivia, NC; one granddaughter, Kallan Engleson of Milwaukee, WI; brother, Winston Bailey and wife, Patsy; many nieces and nephews and former son-in-law, Michael Engleson.

Karen retired in 2019 as head cashier from Central Carolina Community College after 19 years. Besides being the pastor’s wife, she also held many roles at Olivia Presbyterian Church. Over the course of 37 years as a church member she served as Circle Chairman, Co-Moderator, and Treasurer for Olivia Presbyterian Women. She also served as Treasurer for Presbytery of Coastal Carolina -West Region for 2 years. She was part of the adult choir at Olivia the entire 37 years she was there. In 2008, she was awarded Honorary Life Membership by the Presbyterian Women. She was always willing to serve her church and church family in whatever capacity she could.

Karen had many passions. She was an avid gardener and so loved going to any and every flower nursery. She loved games, especially cards and dominos, and estate sale outings with friends. She made many baskets and Chrismon ornaments for her church family and enjoyed spending time at the Carolina coast with family and friends.

 Visitation will be held at Olivia Presbyterian Church (3363 Olivia Road, Sanford, NC 27332) at 10:00 AM immediately before the service. A memorial service of gratitude and celebration, with Rev. Curtis Norris and Rev. Bob Johnson presiding, will be held on Saturday, May 6, 2023, at 11:00 am at Olivia Presbyterian Church with a meal to follow in the fellowship hall.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Olivia Presbyterian Church.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Karen (Bailey) Walton, please visit our floral store.