Karen K. Hiers
Parker-Rhoden Funeral Home
Karen K. Hiers, wife of the late Thomas J. “Tommie” Hiers, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, October 26, 2021 while visiting family in Gainesville, Florida. She was 65.
Karen was born in Jacksonville, FL January 7, 1956 a daughter of the late Lamar and Sadie Foster Knight. After graduating from high school, she studied music, and developed the natural skills she already possessed…which lead her on a lifetime journey of love with the piano and organ. Karen was well-known throughout the Lowcountry as an accomplished musician, and over the years played for countless weddings. She possessed a truly caring heart, and would unselfishly lend her talents to help those suffering through loss by playing for funerals…many times at no charge…if the family could not afford a musician. She served as the church pianist and organist at Grace Advent Christian Church for many years, and most recently in the same capacity at Bethel United Methodist Church in Walterboro.
Karen was honored to have been an accompanist for the Charleston Symphony Orchestra, and had also worked tirelessly with the chorus at the Colleton County High School. She taught private piano lessons, and had been a fixture at the Edisto Beach Baptist Church every December as the pianist for their annual Christmas Cantata. Some of her silliest and most lighthearted times were when she participated in the variety shows at the Hampton Street Auditorium…performing for her friends and family…relishing in the joy, laughter and smiles created through her playing.
Karen was devoted to her family, and loved her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren with all of her heart. She stayed in touch with everyone, and would visit her “Florida family” as often as possible. Christmas was her favorite time of the year, and she was known for her extensive collection of Santas. Karen had an eye for detail, and it was apparent through her her talent as a photographer. A hard worker, she was also a devoted employee of Terri Lynn Smith Insurance Services in Walterboro.
Karen is survived by her children: Matthew Richard Price (Jessi), L. Brady Price (Ashley), Terron Hiers Lairson, and Alicia Morgan Price Lyles (Kevin). She has a step-daughter, Karen Price Windham, and she leaves behind seventeen grandchildren: Ronald Gainey, Bradley Price, Emmie Faulk, Jacob Lairson, Lauren Price, Ashton Canady, Lizzie Wyzanowski, Martha Wyzanowski, Matti Price, Jeremiah Lairson, Johnny Lyles, Tyler Lyles, Isaac Lyles, Bryce Lyles, Laura McMillan, Taylor Peters, and Ashley Windham. There are eleven great-grandchildren. Karen is survived by her brother Butch Jones (Frances), a cousin that she loved like a brother, Bill Johns (Jan), and two special nephews Andy and David Jones. In addition to her husband Tommie, and her parents Lamar and Sadie, Karen was preceded in death by her beloved daughter Shelly Price, and by the father of her children, Richard Price.
Funeral services will be held Wednesday afternoon, November 3, 2021 at 2:00, at Grace Advent Christian Church, with burial immediately following in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends at the church beginning at noon on the day of the service. Parker-Rhoden Funeral Home, 117 Paul Street in Walterboro is in charge of arrangements.
