Date of Service:
May 21, 2022
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Karen Sue Grayam, age 69, passed away unexpectedly on May 4, 2022, in Vero Beach, Florida.
Karen was born on May 2, 1953, in Vero Beach, to H. Ross and Doris A. Grayam. She attended Vero Beach Elementary School, graduated from Vero Beach High School in 1971 and earned her AA degree in child development from Indian River Community College. Following in her mother’s footsteps as the owner of a day care business, Karen went on to open the popular and successful Karen’s Korner Day Care, which she owned and operated for nearly 30 years.
Karen was passionate about mothering children, and nothing brought her more joy than the day her son Justin was placed in her arms for the first time. She tackled the challenge of raising an active boy with her customary sense of humor and down-to-earth manner. It was a whole new experience, far different from attending pageants and baton twirling competitions with her daughter Linda!
Creativity and Karen went hand in hand. She enjoyed crafting, painting, sewing and photography, but she truly found her calling in the 1990’s as a Creative Memories consultant. She introduced many of hers and Linda’s friends to the joy of scrapbooking, hosting crops at her home and at the Life for Youth Camp. She created scrapbooks for her grandchildren. Karen loved attending overnight crops in Orlando and Vero Beach with her posse of “Scrappin’ Divas”.
Karen’s cooking skills were always in great demand. She organized progressive dinners and cookie exchanges for the holidays. One of her biggest claims to culinary fame was her pumpkin roll recipe. Every fall, Karen, Linda, and friends baked dozens of cream cheese pumpkin rolls until they had enough for everyone to enjoy. Anyone who baked with Karen was warned not to share the secret family recipe!
Never one to relax and take it easy, Karen took an active part in the lives of her children and grandchildren. She embraced her role as Grammy, attending baptisms, school concerts and sporting events, taking family vacations to Disney World and North Carolina, and hosting pool time, Easter egg hunts and pajama parties.
Karen was forced to slow down when her vision deteriorated and a series of strokes left her wheelchair bound. Once she was able to return to Vero Beach after months away in assisted living, Karen made the most of her time with her loved ones. She was once again able to attend worship services at Treasure Coast Assembly (Highpoint Church), much to the delight of her church family.
Karen is survived by her son Justin Grayam, daughter Linda Greene (Kelly), grandchildren Nolan, Mason and Wyatt Grayam and Kolby, Kylee and Sara Greene, and her brother Larry Grayam (Sally). She was preceded in death by her parents.
A gathering of family and friends will be held 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m., with a Memorial Service celebrating Karen’s life beginning at 11:00 am, Saturday May 21, 2022, at Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, 1655 27th Street, Vero Beach, FL.
Arrangements are by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach.
© 2024 Lowther Funeral Home. All Rights Reserved.
Bonnie Clark - Friend
May 16, 2022, 3:33 pm
My heart aches for Karen’s family. I didn’t know her that well personally however I heard wonderful things about Karen through the years. May God bring you all peace and a sense of comfort as you grieve her passing. ❤️
Ashley Johnson
May 19, 2022, 9:25 pm
Our deepest condolences to Justin, Linda, and family. Me. Karen was a real gem and my memories are full of time spent with her… even if I was in the corner. I am saddened that my family won’t be in attendance as we have an out of state wedding that was already planned. But, we will be thinking of all of you! We love you Ms. Karen. ♥️
Joyce Marie Dumas - Friend
May 20, 2022, 3:19 am
My condolences to the Grayam and Greene Family. Losing Karen is a loss for so many. Karen was giving, loving, caring and funny, also very intellegent. She was my children’s sitter for preschool and school. We often did things together with the ‘kids’ (Justin, David and Daniel)….cooking out, fishing, and getting together. When our children got older Karen and I would play games with them, Scrabble and many different card games. I don’t think there are many who can beat her at any game. Her intellect was incredible! There is a hole in my heart. I pray that you all will have peace and that in your many memories you will find comfort.
Ruthann Harding - Life time best friend
May 20, 2022, 12:25 pm
Karen’s family and mine were friends the year she and I were born, just a couple months apart. We stayed close friends for our whole lives. She became my sons godmother, and grand one she was. Karen was one of the kindest and giving ever on this earth. Now 69 years later I’m having to say a final goodbye. Karen I will always have in my heart. Knowing I will see you again someday fills my heart with joy. I love you and always will.