Karen Lee Williamson was born on February 25, 1956 in Bakersfield, California to parents Ford Lovell and Lois (Tarver) Lovell. Karen was raised in Shafter and was a proud General, graduating from Shafter High School in 1974. Shortly after graduating, Karen received a degree from Bakersfield College. After many years of working as a cashier, she found her true calling as a special education teacher's aide and continued with that for 18 years until her retirement in 2021. Her students knew her as "Ms. K".

Karen's faith was an integral part of her life. She attended Shafter Church Of The Nazarene for 40 years, taught Sunday school, and was a vacation bible school aide. She truly loved her Lord.

Most would describe Karen as a nice, sweet lady with a lovely smile and an infectious laugh. Karen was 67 years old when she passed peacefully at home, surrounded by her family. Karen is survived by her husband Richard Williamson, sons Matthew (Christine) and Patrick Williamson, grandson James Williamson, sisters Judy Simpson, Trudy Lovell, and Sharon Briggs, and brother Jim Lovell. She is preceded in death by her parents Ford and Lois Lovell.