Karen Russell Harper

CHARLOTTE - Karen Russell Harper, 73, met Jesus face to face on Saturday, October 1, 2022.

Karen was born in Gaston County to Lucille Russell Friday and the late Gordon Keith Russell. She was preceded in death by her granddaughter, Mia Stokes, her father, Keith Russell and her stepfather, Clarence "Bunk" Friday.

Karen graduated from Ashley High School, worked for Hoechst Celanese for 26 years and later retired from Dystar. Karen was a longtime member of Calvary Baptist Church, Charlotte, where she faithfully served alongside Tony in youth ministry for over 40 years, as well as many other areas of ministry. Her favorite name was Nana and she adored her family.

In addition to her mother Lucille, those left to cherish her memory include her loving husband of 54 years, Tony; son, Dump Harper and his wife, Karen; daughter, Holly Stokes and her husband, Eric; grandchildren, Matt and Mallory Stokes, Courtney, TJ, and Chase Harper; sister, Tami Stuart (Mike); brother, Gordon Russell (Leslie); several nieces and nephews and her precious dog, London.

The family will greet guests from 12:00 until 2:00 p.m. Saturday, October 8, 2022 at Calvary Baptist Church, 2727 Mt. Holly-Huntersville Road, Charlotte. A service to celebrate Karen's life will be held immediately following, also at the church. Interment will conclude at Evergreen Cemetery, Belmont.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Mia Stokes Foundation, 1023 Balsam Terrace, Charlotte, NC 28214 or to Calvary Baptist Church.