Karen Lynn (Woosley) Sharp, born July 17, 1951, entered into the presence of her Lord on April 30, 2026, at her home in Tacoma, WA.
Born and raised in Lexington, KY, Karen married the love of her life, David, in 1971. Together they built a life rooted in faith, love, and adventure, living throughout the Mid-South and the Pacific Northwest during David’s career with Weyerhaeuser before settling in Federal Way, WA, where they spent 30 years before eventually moving to Tacoma, WA.
Above all, Karen loved the Lord deeply, and her faith was the foundation of her life. She lived out her calling through service to others-with a generous heart and a joyful spirit. She volunteered in public schools for many years, served as a “Mentor Mom” with MOPS, and was a dedicated Sunday School teacher, choir member, and small group participant at Grace Community Church of Auburn, WA. She was also a member of the Poverty Bay Power Squadron and enjoyed many adventures at sea with David and their boating friends. She leaves behind a beautiful example of grace, kindness, and devotion.
Karen had a gift for bringing people together. Whether around the kitchen table or through playing games, she created connection, laughter, and lifelong friendships. Fueled by Diet Coke and a competitive spirit, Karen delighted in playing cards, dice, and board games, where many joy-filled battles were fought and fondly remembered. Her grandchildren especially treasure those moments with their beloved Nanny.
Her love also came through in the food she prepared. Karen’s kitchen was a place of comfort and care, and her banana pudding, ice cream cake, taco salad, grilled cheese and tomato soup, broccoli cheddar casserole, pancakes, French toast, and peanut butter fudge became family legends-each dish made with love and shared generously.
Karen was preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Ethel Woosley, and Esther and John Klapheke; her brothers, Terry Woosley and Steve Woosley; her step-siblings Jimmy Halcomb and John Klapheke; and her sisters-in-law Alita Rosenfeld and Nancy Halcomb.
She is lovingly remembered by her devoted husband of 54 years, David; her children, Greg (Amy) Sharp and Stacy (Ryan) Hershey; and her grandchildren, Kayla and Trevor Sharp, and Taylor and Hunter Hershey. Karen is also survived by her extended family, including sisters-in-law Kate Sharp, Peggy Halcomb, and Kathy Boorman; brother-in-law Craig Schoninger; stepbrother Lee Halcomb; nieces Michelle Woosley, Alison Mitchell, Jaime Halcomb Caudill, Carol Hicks, and Kim Ginter; nephews Kyle Halcomb and Danny Sharp; and many great-nieces and nephews who brought her immense joy.
A Celebration of Karen’s life will be held at Grace Community Church in Auburn, WA on August 1, 2026 at 2:00pm.
In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to honor Karen’s memory with a donation to the National Kidney Foundation or the American Cancer Society.
David, Joyce and I were saddened to hear of Karens passing. She was always a delight to be around from the first time we met her in Hot Springs, AR in the late 80’s. You are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. She we be deeply missed by her family and friends. God speed Karen thanks for all the great times and memories.