Kenneth Poe Funeral Services

July 22, 2026

LEXINGTON, SC – Our beloved Mom, Grammy, sister and aunt, Karen Price Maready, crossed into Heaven and into the arms of our Savior in the early morning hours of Wednesday, July 22, 2026. 

Placed in Geraldine and Talmadge Price’s arms in Charlotte, NC, in March of 1953, she was raised in a loving home with a rich heritage of faith and a strong focus on family.  The eldest of the Price children, Karen enjoyed an almost idyllic childhood along with her sister, Reba, and her brother, Steven.  

She graduated from nursing school at East Carolina University and worked as a public health nurse, where she cared for thousands of new mothers and their babies.  Later, she married and had her own baby, Brandon, who brought her more joy and gave her life more purpose than she’d ever before experienced.  Karen loved being a mother and deeply loved her son. 

After retiring from a decades-long nursing career in Winston-Salem, Karen relocated to Columbia, SC, to be near Brandon and his family. 

Karen was unfailingly kind, cared boundlessly for others, and always put the needs and wants of those she loved above her own. She loved people – and animals – without pretense or expectation.  She was a helper, a contributor, a doer, and she was quiet about it. She never expected accolades or sought recognition. 

Karen loved Shag-dancing, the beach, planting a garden, all things horses, long walks, chocolate, coffee, lingering in the details, and giving that perfect present or card.  She treasured family and the many friends who became like family. 

In her later years, Karen battled a rare autoimmune disorder that often diminished her physical capacity and caused her to live with chronic pain.  In spite of those challenges, she remained indefatigably positive and consciously kind, especially to those who helped care for her.  If extremity serves to shine a brighter light on one’s true character, Karen’s illness only confirmed what we already knew: she was made of the very best stuff.

Only for a season, Karen has left behind many who love her, including her son, Brandon Redding and daughter-in-love, Melody, and Grammy’s very special grandkids, Savannah, Isaac and Autumn Redding.  Also carrying on the Price legacy of faith and family is her “little brother” Steven Price; her sister-in-love, Debbie Price and beloved niece and nephew, Laura Price Hall and Adam Price.  She also loved the Maready kids: Jennifer, Jeremy, Josh, Marc, and Taylor, who though not related by blood, were always treasured deeply and held close in her heart.

The family will be receiving guests in Lexington, SC on Saturday, July 25, 2026, from 1:00 until 3:00 PM at Thompson Funeral Home.  A celebration of life will be held at Prichard Memorial Baptist Church in Charlotte, NC at 3:00 PM on Monday, July 27, 2006.  The family will receive guests one hour prior to the service. 

We, her family, would like to thank the Lord of All for holding Karen close through the tough times and speaking comfort to our hearts through the pain of missing her.  We thank Him for His great mercy that gives comfort and hope for all who will bow and receive it, and for the promise of eternal life.  We thank our Savior Jesus who paid the way, sending the gift of His Holy Spirit so we all may walk empowered, not just as old sinners saved by grace but as new creatures in this broken world now redeemed.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Lupus Foundation of America, 2121 K Street NW, Suite 200, Washington, DC 20037 or Breakthrough T1D, PO Box 5021, Hagerstown, MD 21741-5021 in memory of Karen Maready.

Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth W. Poe Funeral & Cremation Service, 1321 Berkeley Ave., Charlotte, NC 28204; (704) 641-7606. Online condolences may be shared at www.kennethpoeservices.com.