Karen McBride

Karen McBride Eulogy/Obituary written by Sarah Elizabeth Johnson

 Karen Mae (Johnson) McBride, 81, of Andover Kansas, passed away on Wednesday, August 14th, 2024. Karen was born on September 28th, 1942. Karen lived a full and rich life… Not merely in her commitments to various jobs, serving the church, caring for her children and grandchildren, ministering and evangelizing alongside her husband, Lynn; she also possessed a full and rich inner life. Karen felt the wide range of human emotions very deeply. She had the extraordinary gift of empathy, which endowed her with a unique ability to wholeheartedly celebrate life’s milestones, but also the strength to stand in the fire with another and simply say, “I’m right here with you.” She cherished every single relationship she made, and sought to care for the people in her world, and even those outside of her world, to the fullest of her abilities and resources. Karen spent her formative years learning the value of hard work on her parent’s farm, and she was a proud “Kansas girl” all her life. Being the second born and oldest girl among four other siblings, Karen learned early how to care for others well. She had many vocations throughout her life, but with each one, she brought the same level of dedication and strength of character. To know Karen and share a conversation with her was to feel valuable, loved, seen. She didn’t care about how you could elevate her social status, where you came from, or how much money you had, instead, she possessed a genuine care and concern for each person she encountered, simply because they were a child of God. Able to recall with stunning clarity even the smallest details of another person’s story, to know Karen was to feel as though someone was truly paying attention to you; not merely listening to respond, but listening to understand. 

 Although she was married to Lynn McBride for nearly six decades, the true love of Karen’s life was Jesus Christ, to whom she devoted a lifetime of servitude and praise. Karen became a believer in Christ at the age of eleven, and she passionately followed God until the very end. Even when a recent stroke took away her ability to use parts of her body, she still lifted her Bible and read the words of her beloved Savior. Even when that same stroke took away her ability to speak clearly, she still lifted her voice in praise to her Lord through the daily singing of hymns. One has to imagine the intense frustration of the enemy... thinking this ailment he crafted would surely render her useless to continue seeking and honoring Christ. Not so. He wholly underestimated the tenacity and strength of the Holy Spirit at work within Karen McBride. Though naturally social and with a multitude of dear friends, her husband Lynn was her greatest and most faithful friend. The father of her children. The caretaker of her heart. They shared the kind of love leaves a hole that cannot be replicated or replaced. Though she tried, she never really acclimated to life without him by her side. What a joyous reunion that must’ve been in Heaven; Lynn and Karen together again, praising the Lord as many knew them to do on this side of eternity, side-by-side and with hearts on fire for their Savior. Our society often celebrates men and women who accomplish great feats with much applause, yet we commonly fail to recognize that behind the spotlight, these individuals wouldn’t be the forces they are without their caring supporters. Without these warriors on the sidelines, who demand no attention themselves, there would be no great men or women. Anyone who endeavors to accomplish greatness must have an someone waiting behind the lights, ready to be a safe harbor. A place they can run to and find a soul who will cheer them on, refresh their strength, and provide wisdom and guidance. Karen was one such individual. We can look at her husband Lynn’s many accomplishments, and easily recognize what he himself would’ve readily admitted... That he was able to be such a champion for Christ because Karen was his encourager, uplifter, confidant, and co-laborer.

 With the exception of her husband Lynn, Karen’s most dearly loved upon this earth were her son and daughter, whom she cherished and cared for with a deep and abiding love only a mother can possess. And from these dear ones came the additions of her two granddaughters and one grandson, whom she passionately adored in words and in actions each and every day. She filled their childhoods with wonder and imagination, always looking out for them and faithfully reminding them of her undying love. Family was everything to Karen; she showered her siblings, cousins, nieces, nephews, and other family with tender-hearted devotion. Karen truly laid down her life to care for everyone around her, and lived each day of her life with an open heart and open arms. 

 It didn’t take much at all to delight Karen… A trait that is often lost in a world obsessed with efficiency and status. She knew how to slow down and appreciate the simplest of God’s blessings; a glimmering full moon, a good cup of coffee, a juicy watermelon, the fresh blooms of spring, a thoughtful greeting card. Whether she had met you once or known you every day of your life, every person in this room knows the feeling of rounding a corner or opening a door and seeing the face of Karen absolutely light up with joy and recognition, as if she had never been so excited to see anyone as she was to see you in that moment. Treasured especially by Karen in this life were her dear friends, all of whom she reserved a special and irreplaceable spot within her heart and soul. She always made her friendships a priority... Often stopping what she was doing to get together, send a card, have lunch, talk on the phone, or share a visit. She continually fanned the flame of each precious connection she made. I’m certain if she were here today, she would have a dear memory and a kind word of encouragement to share with each person in this crowd. Warm, kind, sweet, generous, caring, devoted and loving are just a few mere words that come to mind when remembering this woman, and even these cannot begin to embody the spirit of Karen McBride. We will carry with us our beloved memories of Karen until we meet her again in the fullness and glory of heaven. 

 Karen was proceeded in death by her husband of 58 years, Lynn McBride; parents, Roy and Viola Johnson; and brother and sister-in-law Harold and Bonita Johnson. Karen is survived by her children, daughter Mashella Johnson, son Mark McBride and wife Shannon. Siblings, Steve Johnson and wife Pat, Sharon Herndon, Jerry Johnson and wife Sandy; and grandchildren, Sarah Johnson, Hannah Johnson, and Cross McBride. 

Visitation with family present will be held from 2-4 pm, Sunday, August 18, at Cozine Life Events Center, 11500 E. 21st St. N. in Wichita. Celebration of Life Service, 1 pm, Monday, August 19, at First Baptist Church, 315 W. Central, El Dorado, KS. Burial will follow at Walnut Valley Memorial Park, 725 SW Boyer Rd., also in El Dorado, KS. Memorials to: Central Kansas Prison Ministry. Share condolences at www.cozine.com. Services by Cozine Memorial Group-Cozine Life Events Center.