Karen Ann McGinnis, age 64, of Wellston, Ohio passed away June 17, 2022, after a long and courageous battle with kidney disease. While most people would have given up, Karen continued to fight until the very end with a smile on her face.
Karen was born in Oak Hill, Ohio on October 30, 1957, to Harold Wilson and the late Betty (Brown) Wilson. She was the oldest of four siblings. Karen married the love of her life, Terry McGinnis, on June 25, 1977. Together they had two daughters, for whom they provided an amazing example of what true love is. She always put her girls first and was selfless, kind and compassionate. Karen loved many things, but her favorite thing was being “Mimi” to her four grandbabies – Harper, Levi, Braxton and Colton. They were her “sweet baby angels,” as she lovingly referred to them.
Karen loved to travel, especially to the beach. She rooted for the Buckeyes every Saturday and enjoyed reading, doing crossword puzzles and riding the Harley with her husband. Karen retired from Hocking Correctional Facility in April of 2017. While there, she had the honor of being named Corrections Officer of the Year. Her coworkers always spoke of her willingness to help and big heart.
Karen is survived by her husband, Terry McGinnis; daughters: Stephanie Wolford and Jessica (Danny) Gilliland; grandchildren: Harper, Levi, Braxton and Colton. Also surviving is her father, Harold Wilson; siblings: Donna Tilley and Charlotte (Brian) Weese; life-long best friend, Carol (Brian) Gardner; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. She is preceded in death by her mother, Betty Wilson; brother, Richard Wilson; son-in-law, Kevin Wolford; as well as her maternal and paternal grandparents. We have no doubt that her arrival into Heaven was a joyous reunion.
Karen was always someone who loved to help others. It is because of this that we urge you to become an organ donor and consider living donation. Although we couldn’t get Karen a kidney, our hope is that no other family has to feel this type of loss while they wait on a lifesaving transplant.
Friends may call Thursday, June 23, 2022, from 4 p.m. – 8 p.m. at the Lewis & Gillum Funeral Home of Jackson. Funeral services will follow at 11 a.m. on Friday, June 24, 2022, at the funeral home with Pastor Allen Simpson officiating. Burial will follow at Fairmount Cemetery. Online condolences may be sent to www.lewisgillum.com