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Karen Thomy Pressley, 73, of Murrells Inlet, passed away on July 20th, 2023, after a brief illness. Karen was born on November 4th, 1949, in Lake City, SC, to the late Abraham “Abe” Thomy and Ruth Binter Thomy. Karen was a compassionate soul who dedicated her life to caring for others. She was a 1971 honor graduate of the Mercy School of Nursing in Charlotte, NC. She later completed her Pediatric Nurse Practitioner training at the University of Virginia, eventually becoming one of the first Pediatric Nurse Practitioners in South Carolina. Karen obtained her BSN in Nursing from the University of South Carolina in 1991. Throughout her career, Karen touched the lives of countless children in South Carolina through her work at the Horry County Health Department, Richland Memorial Hospital NICU, Health Care Partners of South Carolina, the Naval Hospital of Beaufort, and Coastal Pediatrics. Karen is survived by her daughter, Julia of Myrtle Beach, her brother Richard Thomy (Brenda) of Ocean Isle, NC, her step-brother Timothy McDonald (Jennifer) of Columbia, her sister in law JoAnn Thomy of Jacksonville, Florida, and two nephews, Charles and Andrew Thomy. Karen is also survived by her mother, Ruth Binter Thomy, of Manning, and her stepmother, Marge Thomy of Sumter. She also leaves behind her beloved grand dog, Paddington. During Karen's time at the Mercy School of Nursing, she forged a profound and enduring sisterhood with cherished friends who remained dear to her heart for over 55 years. Among them are Mrs. Gwen Daniel, affectionately known as "Big Thomy," Mrs. Elizabeth Mauldin, fondly called "Bump," Mrs. Mary Riley, lovingly referred to as "Gocke," and Mrs. Betty Wilson, known as "Barnard." Karen “Little Thomy” held these connections close and treasured the adventures she shared with her beloved Mercy Nurseys. She was preceded in death by her father, Abraham “Abe” Thomy, and her brother, David Andrew Thomy. Services will be held by Goldfinch Funeral Home, Beach Chapel, on Friday, July 28th, 2023, at 11 a.m. The Very Rev. Edward W. Fitzgerald will perform the memorial service. The family will host a reception in honor of Karen’s life immediately after the service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Karen’s memory to All4Paws Animal Rescue in Pawleys Island, SC, and to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. The family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to The Palmettos of Garden City and to Caris Hospice for their excellent care and love of Karen.

Tributes

Karen Thomy Pressley

November 4, 1949 - July 20, 2023