Karen King

Karen King, 80, of Springfield, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, January 28, 2026. She was born on May 3, 1945, in Springfield, Ohio, to the late Jack King and Phyllis (Sparrow) Hudson. Karen devoted approximately fifteen years of her life to working as a nurse, a profession that reflected her natural compassion, patience, and desire to care for others. Karen was preceded in death by her parents; her first husband, Clarence Atha; and her second husband, Emerson King. She leaves behind four children who loved her deeply: Mark Atha of Wyandotte, Michigan; Robert (Bob) Atha of Rogersville, Tennessee; Lily Atha of Springfield, Ohio; and Clarence (Chuck) Atha of Springfield, Ohio. She also leaves behind her grandchildren: Lauren, Tammy, Tonya, Bobby, Ruby, Michaela, and Quinten. She also leaves her partner Irvin McWhorter. Karen will be remembered for the warmth she brought into every space she occupied and the quiet, steadfast way she cared for others. She filled her home with laughter, imagination, and belonging. She loved playing games with her children—especially Dungeons & Dragons and classic board games like Monopoly, Trivial Pursuit, and Risk —and brought a playful joy to those moments that made them feel magical, like something out of a coming-of-age story. The back porch was often crowded with kids, friends, dice, boards, and snacks, because Karen welcomed everyone. She never cared where a child came from, what they looked like, or who they were becoming—she simply accepted them. Many neighborhood children came to see her as another mother, and for those struggling to understand their identity, their sexuality, or their place in the world, Karen offered unconditional acceptance without interrogation or judgment. She believed deeply in the power of reading and learning. She read aloud, encouraged curiosity, and planted a lifelong love of books in her children—beginning with reading to Lily during long waits while picking up their father from work. That love of stories became a lasting gift. Raising four spirited, mischievous boys took resolve, and Karen possessed it in abundance. With sheer will, unwavering presence, and the occasional invocation of “wait until your father gets home,” she managed her household with competence and determination. She was steadfast, capable, and human—strong, emotional, and deeply invested in her children’s lives. Her family treasures countless small, luminous memories: the radiant smile as she held Mark’s babies for the first time; the pure, unguarded happiness Bob saw when she climbed onto the back of his Harley for a ride; the patience and encouragement she gave Chuck as she helped him improve his singing. When her children picture her face, they see love, understanding, and a woman who tried—every day—to give more than she had. Her legacy lives on in the kindness she modeled, the curiosity she nurtured, and the many lives she quietly shaped. Adkins Funeral Home in Enon will be assisting Karen’s family with her final wishes.www.adkinsfunerals.com With the heaviest hearts imaginable, we say goodbye to our beloved Karen McWhorter-a woman whose love wrapped around us like the warmest blanket on the coldest day. Karen was the heartbeat of our family, the one who always knew just what to say (or what hug to give) when life felt too heavy. She had a smile that could light up the darkest room, a laugh that was contagious, and a gentle spirit that made everyone around her feel truly seen and cherished. Losing Karen has left a void in my life that feels almost impossible to fill. She was more than just a partner; she was my best friend, my rock, and the love of my life. Despite her struggles here on Earth, Karen always found it within herself to extend kindness, compassion, and understanding towards others—a light that brightened even the darkest days for so many who were lucky enough to cross paths with her. She poured her love into every moment-whether it was cooking a meal that filled our home with comfort, listening without judgment during tough times, or simply holding our hands through life's ups and downs. Karen wasn't just loved; she was adored beyond words. She was the glue that held us together, the voice of encouragement when we doubted ourselves, and the quiet strength we all leaned on. The world feels dimmer without her light, and our hearts ache with the emptiness she left behind. Losing Karen has been devastating, and now we face the painful reality of honoring her memory with the farewell she deserves. We're reaching out with open hearts, asking for any help you can give-whether it's a small donation, sharing this message, or simply keeping us in your thoughts and prayers. Every bit brings us closer to giving Karen the peaceful, beautiful goodbye filled with the love she gave so freely to all of us. Thank you from the depths of our souls for any support during this heartbreaking time. Your kindness means more than words can express. Karen is now reunited with her beloved daughter in heaven. With love and gratitude, Irvin McWhorter and family Karen, we love you forever. Rest in peace, our angel

Karen King

May 3, 1945 - January 28, 2026