Karen Erikson Thomas

Karen Erikson Thomas, 67, of Bluffton, SC passed away February 17th, 2017.

She was the daughter of the late Fred C. Erikson and Janet N. Erickson of Ft. Lauderdale FL. Karen was preceded in death by her parents, brother Thomas Erikson and sister Barbara Erikson. She is survived by her husband, John Thomas Jr. of the home; aunt Pat Gorman of Rockford, Ill.; and cousins Dale Erikson and wife Phyllis of Hickory, Steve Erikson of Hickory, NC, Dave Anderson and wife Kelly of Rockford, Ill., Todd Anderson and wife, Becky of Rockford, Ill.

Karen graduated from The University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill with a bachelor of science in Pharmacy in 1972. She was in the top five in her class and won the Bristol Myers award for her high academic achievements. She worked for Eckerd Drugs in Hickory, NC, Medi-Pac long term health care, and Okatie Pharmacy in Bluffton SC, after she and John retired to Hilton Head SC in 2003.

Karen enjoyed golfing, and lunch with her 9-hole group of Country Club of Hilton Head. She loved traveling by boat up and down the Intracoastal Waterway with her husband John and friends from the Low Country Grady Club. She also loved pontoon boating on Lake Hickory, Lake Lure, and Hampton Lake in Bluffton.

Karen treasured time with her friends and family, and loved entertaining. She always did it with grace and style. Karen had a real passion for traveling and was lucky enough to have traveled most of the world. Although she was a private person, she was always ready to play dominos and bridge with her wonderful friends on Hilton Head Island, where Karen and John lived for the past 13 years.

Karen was loved by all and she was the most beautiful person I have ever known, inside and out.

At her request, Karen will be cremated. Friends and family will be notified of a celebration of her life at a later date. In lieu of flowers, if you wish, please send donations to Hospice Care of the Low Country, P O Box 3827 Bluffton, SC 29910.