Karen Wainwright Thigpen (2/27/2026)
Mrs. Karen Wainwright Thigpen, 67, passed away Friday, February 27, 2026, at the Warner Center for Caring in Fernandina Beach, FL.
Karen Wainwright Thigpen was born February 13, 1959, to Mary Frances and Kenneth Wainwright of Folkston Georgia. A lifelong resident of Charlton County. Karen was a 1977 graduate of Charlton County High School and a 1981 graduate of the University of Georgia, College of Pharmacy.
After graduation from pharmacy school and a few months after cheering on the Georgia Bulldogs at the 1981 National Championship, Karen returned to Folkston to marry the love of her life and husband of 42 years, Terry Thigpen. That same year she purchased Fuqua’s Pharmacy in Hilliard, Florida officially launching Hilliard Pharmacy & Gifts alongside her partner Marion Wainwright.
A staple in the Hilliard community until her death, Karen considered her work the joy of her life, and a ministry to the community. She loved her customers and coworkers like family and joyed in celebrating accomplishments alongside them, be it graduations, weddings, or the new babies.
A loyal friend and diligent servant, Karen worked faithfully at her home church of Grace Chapel playing the piano at Sunday services from 12 years old until fall 2025 when she fell ill. She worked tirelessly in children’s ministry, Sunday School, church outreach, music ministry, and church event planning over 50 years. Each Sunday, Grace Chapel was filled with the strains of her beautiful music as she played beloved hymns on the organ and piano.
In 1990 Karen and Terry welcomed their first daughter Katie, with Ashley following in 1996. Karen made sure no two little girls ever felt as loved as her girls. From playing Barbies on the floor to reading accelerated reader books in bed at night, loading up for early morning trips to Walt Disney World or coordinating the entire family for a summer cruise, she parented like she didn’t work a job and worked like she was not a parent.
Full of patience and grace she was there at every 4-H competition, piano recital, Friday night football game, fundraiser, and graduation. Her little girls felt her love every day and later as women understood that their Mama was coordinator of every vacation, the magic maker of the holidays and the carer that made every day feel so special.
A talented writer, gifted musician, beautiful singer, incredible cook, patient employer, kind friend, and tireless Mama, Karen was a whirlwind of energy and kindness. She was a force of genuine goodness and love. She is survived by her loving husband of 42 years Terry Thigpen, her daughters and sons-in-law; Katie and Junior Chapman of Athens, Georgia and Ashley and Allen Rogers of Athens, Georgia; sister and brother-in-law Kathy and Clint Colley and nephew Wyatt Colley of Metter, Georgia. She’s also survived great aunts and uncles and dozens of cousins whom she loved dearly.
The family will receive friends at Grace Chapel Baptist Church on Monday night March 2, 6:00 – 8:00 PM. Karen’s celebration of life will be held Tuesday March 3, at 11:00 AM at Grace Chapel Baptist Church before she is laid to rest in Pineview Cemetery in Folkston Georgia.
We do not grieve as others do who have no hope. We rejoice in the assurance that she is face-to-face with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, having been reunited with her parents and loved ones.
Sympathy may be expressed by signing the online registry at www.musicfuneralhome.com
Music Funeral Home of Waycross is in charge of the arrangements.
