Karen Durst Hembree

Mrs. Karen Durst Hembree

Karen Durst Hembree, cherished wife and high school sweetheart of Guy W. Hembree Jr. entered Heaven’s gates on Sunday, August 27, 2023, at home. She was the loving daughter of Lemuel “Lem” and Nancy Durst. Karen was born in Camden, SC coming to live in Aiken, with her parents when she was 2 years old.

Along with her devoted husband of 53 years, she leaves behind her treasured children; daughter Jennifer (Ross) Smith, sons Jeffery (Elizabeth) Hembree and Jeremy (Melissa) Hembree. She also leaves her grandchildren; Caitlyn H. Gray, A. Tre’ Moyer, Hailey M. Smith, AJ (Hanna) Hembree, Dustin (Rachel) Layfield, Ashlee E. Hembree, Audrey C. Hembree and Aiden D. Hembree, along with great-grandchildren; Lemuel T. Gray, Abigale E. Gray, Delaney J. Hembree and Beckett Layfield.

Along with her loving parents, she is preceded in death by her brother David E. Durst.

Karen had an enduring faith in God. She was an active member of Redd’s Branch Baptist Church from childhood.

Karen and Guy took many road trips over the years. Their adventures took them from Florida to Canada and South Carolina to California. She enjoyed visiting the various National Parks along their many routes. Her most cherished times of all were spent with her family.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday August, 30 2023, from 6-8pm at Cole Funeral Home. Her “Home Going” will be Thursday August, 31, 2023 at Redd’s Branch Baptist Church at 3:00pm with Rev. Richard McWhite officiating, Interment will follow in church cemetery.

Pallbearers will be her grandsons; Tre’ Moyer, AJ Hembree and Aiden Hembree, friends; Harvey Jay, Tommy Carey, Isaac Quattro. Honorary junior pallbearer great grandson; Lemuel Gray.

In Lieu of Flower donations may be made to the Phelan-McDermid Syndrome Foundation at 8 Sorrento Drive, Osprey, FL 34229.

COLE FUNERAL HOME 1544 UNIVERSITY PKWY (118 BYPASS) AIKEN, SC 29801 803-648-7175. Please sign the online registry at www.colefuneralhomeinc.net.