Karen G. Jones

Karen Gardner Jones, age 77, of Lugoff, SC, passed away Monday, February 16, 2026, after an extended illness at MUSC Kershaw Medical Center in Camden, SC. Karen was born March 5, 1948, at the Springs Hospital in Lancaster, SC to Ray Thomas Gardner and Ruby Baker Gardner, of the Buffalo Community of Kershaw County. Karen recently relocated to Lugoff after residing in the Buffalo Community for most of her life.

Karen attended Mt. Pisgah High School and later earned her GED. From the age of 15, Karen worked most of her career in various textile industries in South Carolina including: Fort Lawn, Lancaster, Kershaw, Jefferson, Camden and Lugoff. She spent 30 years of her career working at E.I. DuPont’s May Plant in Lugoff, serving in various roles and departments.

Karen is survived by her son Chris (Jaime) Jones of Lugoff; granddaughter Sarah Ruby Jones of Lugoff; sisters Brenda (Benjamin) Holden and Anita Rollins both of Kershaw; and special friend Lee Deese of Kershaw. She is preceded in death by her parents, brother Billy Ray Gardner, and brother-in-law Conard Rollins.

When not working, Karen loved spending time with family, friends and co-workers. She easily made friends wherever she went and many of her most cherished friendships developed from being co-workers. Karen loved to shop and was always looking for a bargain on clothes, jewelry and accessories at flea markets, brick and mortar stores, and online.

She loved to travel to various places including the beach, mountains, and NASCAR races with her family and friends. Karen’s favorite place to stay and visit was Springmaid Beach at Myrtle Beach. Karen enjoyed listening to the oldies and goldies of country music with some of her favorites being Elvis, Conway Twitty and Loretta Lynn. Westerns were her favorite television shows to watch. Karen loved to eat at her favorite restaurants: Catawba Fish Camp, Golden Corral, and Little Pigs.

In her retirement years, she enjoyed spending time with and spoiling her granddaughter, Sarah. Karen had a heart to help those who were in need, especially children, putting their needs ahead of her own needs many times.

Memorials in memory of Karen may be made to Refined By Fire Ministries of Lugoff (refined-by-fire.com). The family encourages Karen’s friends and acquaintances to honor her memory by enjoying time with their loved ones at one of her favorite restaurants. The family wishes to thank all the staff at MUSC Health Kershaw Medical Center for their loving care and support. This is not goodbye but see you later alligator, after while crocodile. 

Services will be private.

Arrangements are under the care of Baker Funeral Home, Kershaw, S.C.