Karen Sue Williamson

    Karen Sue Williamson passed away on August 1, 2026, in Nampa, Idaho. Karen was a cherished member of her community and the Church of the Nazarene, known by all for her kindness, compassion, and gentle strength. She was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother who consistently placed her family’s needs above her own and she was deeply loved in return. 

    She is survived by her husband, Dale Williamson, her children Jodi Broyles, Cherie Williamson, and Josh Williamson, and her grandchildren Mason, Jaydra, Desmond, and Joshua. 

    Karen was born on March 8, 1950, in Syracuse, Kansas, to Leonard and Ida Mueller. She grew up on the family homestead established by her grandparents in western Kansas. As the middle of five daughters, Karen spent her childhood helping her father on the farm. Her mother, Ida, was a talented seamstress who lovingly created beautiful clothing for her girls. Karen also developed a lifelong love of reading and was fond of recalling a childhood moment when she was scolded for reading her book while the teacher was giving a lesson. 

    After graduating from high school, Karen attended Bethany Nazarene College where she earned a bachelor’s degree in education. She found great joy in working with children and began her career as an elementary school teacher in Kansas. 

    Karen later met Dale, and they married on July 19, 1975. The couple moved to Nampa, Idaho, when Dale accepted a position teaching chemistry at Northwest Nazarene College. Dale eventually transitioned into a career in real estate, and Karen took time away from teaching to raise their three children. Once they were grown, she returned to the classroom where her passion truly shined. Even after retiring, Karen continued sharing her love of learning by practicing numbers, letters, and reading with her grandchildren. 

    Karen’s legacy lives on in the countless lives she touched with her kindness, her dedication, and her unwavering love for her family.