Tributes

Mrs. Karen Yvette (Evans) Burroughs transitioned peacefully to our Heavenly Father early on the morning of December 24, 2023, at her residence, in Indian Head, Md. Karen was the daughter of the late Golden and Ethel Evans. She was born in Washington, D.C. and raised in Charles County, Maryland where she completed her education at Pomonkey High School. In high school, she was captain of the majorettes. She also attended Morgan State University and an interior decorating school in Washington, D.C. Karen held numerous positions in the Maryland and Washington, D.C. areas with her most memorable. times spent working as an Assistant Librarian at Lackey High School in Indian Head, Maryland, where she worked for 36 years. At Lackey, she ran the library like a warden, “no pass...get out.” There she developed long lasting friendships with Viola Caldwell, Diane Sheffe, Mary Wade, Mike Brown, Bill Stewart, and Jervie Petty, among others. She also led the basketball cheerleaders as a sponsor for a number of years in addition to working track & field events. She was also employed by the Federal Post Office, Charles County Board of Education Project HeadStart, and Safeway. Karen was a devout Episcopalian and former member of Calvary Episcopal Church in Washington D.C. She joined St. James’ Episcopal Church over 50 years ago giving her a lifetime of stewardship in the Episcopal Church. At St. James’, she held the positions of Secretary of the Vestry, Secretary of the Episcopal Church Women (ECW), Lay Reader, a member of the Altar Guild, Administrations and Communications Committee, and the Worship Committee. She led, administered, and participated in numerous St. James’ events such as the Spring Tea, Fall Bazaar, and the annual fashion show. Karen met the love of her life Walton “Bubbie” Burroughs, Jr. at a Hughesville barn dance. Their first date was at an Alpha Kappa Alpha (AKA) debutante ball in 1963. They wed on December 17, 1966, in Washington D.C. at Calvary Episcopal Church. From this union, three children were born, Michael, David, and Tia. Karen and Bubbie moved to Pomonkey and resided in the same home for over 56 years on Ford Drive. They loved to go to cabarets, dances, and take vacation cruises (over 10 cruises). Visiting family out of state was always important whether, visiting Michael in Chicago, David while at Hampton University, Tia in Texas, and other family members living near and far. Bubbie eventually converted her into a football fan where they both passionately rooted for the Washington Redskins/Commanders. Karen loved gathering with family. This generated a lifetime of laughs and great memories. Visits from the Washington D.C. based Poole family were particularly fun as they referred to Karen and Shirley as “the country cousins,” were always a blast. Family trips also included traveling to see her cousins in Philadelphia/New Jersey and the Richmond area, specifically Cynthia Dyson and the late Billie Dyson. Karen and Bubbie also have some very special friends of over 50 years in Sonny and Bernette Smith and Charles and Gloria Thomas who helped her and her family immensely during her final days. Karen loved and appreciated elegance, order, and style which was visible in how she decorated her home, coordinated weddings and events, and produced her homemade crafts. She looked forward to watching elegant events such as royal weddings, the Kentucky Derby, and attending Handel’s Messiah at the Kennedy Center with her sister Shirley. If anyone or anything fell short of expectation, she may playfully call you or the occasion “tacky.” Karen’s charming personality, smile, outgoing manner, and creativity were truly assets that have inspired her family and friends to support the high ideals, goals, and standards so beautifully set and lived by her and Walton. Karen is survived by her husband Walton “Bubbie” Burroughs Jr., her three children, Michael Burroughs (Towan), David Burroughs (Detra), Tia Birt (Davey), 9 grandchildren, Mya Burroughs, Troy Burroughs, Nyree Sylvia, Jenae Johnson (Clayton), Camille Birt, Noah Birt, Da’Nia Burroughs, Raymone Wilson Jr., and Ashley Wilson. Karen is also survived by one sister, Shirley Evans and a “special brother,” Barry Thomas (Nancy). Karen is also survived by one aunt Carolyn Poole, and a host cousins and dear neighbors and friends she met throughout her life. Visitation will be held on Tuesday January 2, 2024 at St. James Episcopal Church 7 Potomac Ave. Indian Head, Maryland 20640 from 4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. with Reflections at 6:30 p.m. Visitation will continue on Wednesday January 3, 2024 from 9:00 a.m. - 9:45 a.m. with Services 10:00 a.m. Interment Trinity Memorial Gardens Waldorf, Maryland.

Tributes

Karen Yvette Burroughs

October 2, 1946 - December 24, 2023