Karen Stokes Woodbury

Karen Stokes Woodbury

Karen Stokes Woodbury passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of Tuesday, September 22, 2026.

She was born and raised in Hanahan, SC. Her family and friends learned early on she had a presence that could light up any room. She was well known for her iconic laugh, which could easily be identified from anywhere within earshot. Karen lived life to the fullest and especially enjoyed lighthearted teasing of those she cared about.

Karen spent her years loving the world around her. She was a longtime nurse and relished her ability to take care of her patients. She also brought that empathy and care to the many animals whose lives she changed. Nobody loved rescuing an animal in distress more than Karen. Over the years she saved and rehabilitated numerous cats, dogs, birds, and even squirrels. Her heart was big, and she always made it her mission to help those in need, whether they walked on two legs or four.

Over the course of her life, Karen moved around often and loved to travel. She visited many areas of the world including Hawaii, Alaska, Costa Rica, Netherlands, and France. However, she always had a special place in her heart for the Lowcountry of South Carolina. One of her favorite fictional characters, Dorothy, said it best, “there’s no place like home”.

Above all else, Karen loved her family. She shared 39 wonderful years of marriage with her husband, David Lee Woodbury, before his passing in 2019. She was the daughter of the late Doyle M. Stokes and the late May Mott Stokes. Karen was also preceded in death by her brother D. Mark Stokes. She is survived by her son, Derek Ray Woodbury; her granddaughter, Katie Mae Woodbury; two sisters, Ann Stokes (Scott) Terman and Cheryl Stokes (Bill) Reynolds; her close sister-in-law Cynthia (Cindy) Woodward Stokes; and several nieces and nephews who will always know her affectionately as “Crazy Aunt Kay”. Karen loved being both a mother and a grandmother and was grateful for all the time she got to spend with Katie Mae. Family gatherings were where she truly shined as she loved joking and laughing with loved ones.

Karen has touched so many lives. However, she was adamant about not wanting a funeral. Instead, we ask that you remember all the times that Karen made you laugh or smile and share a little bit of that joy with the world. Give your animals some extra love in her honor and help make the world a better place one day at a time.