Karen Patterson Andrews

Karen Elizabeth Patterson Andrews, age 70, of Darlington, S.C., went home to be with the Lord, on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, after a brief illness.

Karen was born in Darlington, and was the daughter of the late Kenneth "Jake" Patterson and Olivette Abbott Patterson. She was a lifelong resident of Darlington.

Growing up, Karen could be found at the Sun & Splash hanging out with friends and showing off her precise diving skills from the high board! She learned sewing skills from her mother and sewed many of her own clothes in High School. She learned the value of work from her family and took a job in high school at a shoe store to get a discount and help pay for all the shoes she wanted to go with the outfits she made! She never outgrew the love of many outfits and a lot of shoes and was known for her many beautiful hats. Though she didn't sew as much in her later years, she loved to shop and always had a story to tell about her good finds! Karen loved to dance and as she grew older, nights out dancing with friends changed to dancing around the house, dancing in line at the grocery store and dancing and singing karaoke on a cruise ship! She never held back on having a good time.

Karen married Mike Andrews in 1979, and they had one son, Ryan Andrews. They were married until 2019 when Mike passed.

Karen worked for Baker Law Firm and later worked for Pauling & James Law Firm where she retired and occasionally went back to assist.

Karen also spent time working for Just for Women Ministries and she was a substitute teacher in the Darlington County School District for over 20 years and was a favorite call-in for both teachers and students. This job gave her the flexibility to travel and just be available for relaxation, family, and friends.

Karen loved to travel and her motto was, "I may not have been there, but it's on my list." She loved family reunions with her siblings, their spouses, and nieces and nephews. She loved to cruise with friends, family, and groups of ladies. As her sister-in-law said, "If you went somewhere with Karen, you were going to have a good time!" Karen loved to share her adventures and always had a detailed story to tell. Just a few months before her passing, she spent eight weeks traveling Europe and, in her words, "I had the time of my life!"

Karen loved to host family and friends in her home and the memories of those gatherings with food, fun, and fellowship will forever be cherished by many. If you were Karen's friend, you were her family. Years ago she would hold girls' summer camps in her home and those children and families still talk about how much fun she made their summers.

Karen was a member of First Baptist Church Darlington, where she has served as Director of Children's Ministry, a children's Sunday School teacher, and many other roles that included all of the children she loved so much. She also enjoyed being a part of the drama team plays and retreats with the ladies groups.

Karen loved big and her son Ryan and his wife Brittany were the light of her life. Her heart was so happy they found each other.

Karen is survived by her son Ryan Andrews and wife Brittany Freeman Andrews, siblings Ken Patterson of Copperas Cove, TX, Kathy Watts (Tracy) of Timmonsville, SC, Kaye Best (Glenn) of Middleburg, FL, Sister-in-Law Carolyn Andrews of Darlington, Aunt Betty Abbott Mims of Murrells Inlet, Uncle Roy Abbott of Mechanicsville, Aunt Nellie Patterson of Edmond, OK, nieces and nephews Mandy Lott, Nikki Serrano, Shelley Dunlap, Jake Walton, Dustin Walton, Nick Best, Dusti Belanger, Kylie Patterson, Celina Epps, Lee Andrews and her cherished great nieces and nephews, Remi, Rylie, Dallas, Lily, Gracie, Madie, Bo, and Grant, and her beloved dog Muffy.

Memorials can be made to The Darlington Fire Department Toy Drive, First Baptist Church of Darlington children's ministry, The Lord Cares or a charity of one's choice.