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Karen Stewart Lemon, 56, was called home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, August 2, 2016 while surrounded by her family. She was born April 23, 1960 to Everett and Mildred Stewart in Philadelphia, PA. She grew up in Virginia Beach, VA, and graduated from Princess Anne High School. She then received her bachelor's degree in Communications from Virginia Tech, where she met and married her beloved husband Archie W. Lemon, Jr. Left to cherish her memory with her husband and her parents is her son, Jarrod Lemon and his wife Karey Lemon, her daughter Jenna Lemon Sorlagas and her husband Alex Sorlagas, her brothers Phil and Brian Stewart, her sister Linda Charles, her granddaughters Allie and Madison Lemon, and Sophia Sorlagas, as well as her extended family and many, many friends. Karen lived a gracious and compassionate life, filled with joy and love. She had a passion for ministry, and lived a life of ministry to others. Throughout her life she lead Bible studies,Sunday school classes, children's ministries, and prayer teams. She was a Bible scholar, teacher, speaker, and continually a student, all while working full time. She had a heart for others and a spirit of generosity and love, and whether as a group or one on one, she was always sharing her love, and the love of Jesus with others. Just a few hours before she went to heaven she wrote a simple note, "Jesus loves you SO much!" that she gave to her brother. She shared her love with her students while she worked at Myrtle Beach Christian Academy, taught at Conway Christian School, ministered to children in Haiti during a summer mission trip, worshiped with her church family, and with everyone who was fortunate enough to know her. Karen battled breast cancer for 2 years, and she beat cancer every day. Never in her battle did she lose heart, faith, hope, or trust in God. With each setback, she wanted to hit it harder, and would continuously say, "I am healed by His stripes. Whether He chooses to heal me with medicine, or whether He chooses to heal me with a miracle, or whether He chooses to bring me home, I AM HEALED." She would often follow that up with, "God's got this!" And no matter how much pain she was in, she would greet doctors, nurses, friends, family, and anyone else who came across her path with a smile and say "I'm great, how are you?" with genuine, warm compassion. She was the very definition of strength and grace, and will continue to be the example we strive to emulate everyday. She deeply loved her family and especially loved spoiling her granddaughters, and taught them that all it takes is love, popcorn, and a Disney movie at "Honey & Big's" to have a party. She taught us all so much and we will all strive to live up to her example and look forward to the day we join her and see her smile and her arms welcome us home. And as she said shortly before she left this world, on that day we will have a Party! There will be a celebration of Karen's life on Saturday, August 6, 2016, at 2 p.m. at Coastal Community Church, 2668 Hwy 378 Conway, SC, 29527. The family will receive visitors for one hour prior to the service. Funeral services will be provided by Goldfinch Funeral Home, www.goldfinchfuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been set up to accept donations at Conway Christian School, 1200 Medlen Parkway, Conway SC, 29526. (843-365-2005). Please mark donations for Karen Lemon Memorial Fund.

Tributes

Karen Stewart Lemon

April 23, 1960 - August 2, 2016