Mrs. Karen Elaine Livingston Wilson

Karen E. Livingston-Wilson was a remarkable woman whose life was defined by love, kindness, and dedication to her family, faith, and career. Born on November 21, 1957, in Detroit, Michigan, to Rosalee Adams Livingston and Ezra Livingston Jr., she was the second of three
children in a family rooted in faith and community service.

Karen grew up in the nurturing environment of Oak Grove A.M.E. Church, where she developed her lifelong commitment to ministry and helping others. Her parents instilled a strong work ethic and a sense of purpose, which became the foundation of her extraordinary accomplishments. Her mother, a vice president of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, served as Karen's mentor.

Karen graduated from Cass Technical High School, earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Michigan, and obtained her Juris Doctorate from Wayne State University.

Karen's career was a testament to her intelligence, drive, and compassion. In 1984, she began her legal journey at Citizens Insurance Company of America in Howell, Michigan, steadily rising to hold leadership positions, including Vice President, General Counsel, and Corporate Secretary. During her career at Citizens, she was also admitted to the State Bar of Ohio, earned her Certified Property-Casualty Underwriter (CPCU) designation, and taught CPCU management and law courses, sharing her knowledge and inspiring others to pursue excellence.

When she met Mark Wilson, a fourth-year medical student, Karen's life took a beautiful turn. They married in a joyful ceremony at Oak Grove A.M.E. Church on September 12, 1987, and built a loving home together.

Karen continued her career at Citizens, and Mark completed his medicine residency and a gastroenterology fellowship at Michigan State University. The two shared a deep and mutual respect, blending their professional lives with a love for travel, family, and faith.

In 1998, Karen and Mark relocated to Ridgeland, Mississippi, to be closer to family. While Mark settled into his new medical practice, Karen organized and decorated their home and studied for her next bar exam. In 1999, after being admitted to the State Bar of Mississippi, Karen joined Butler Snow Law Firm, becoming a trailblazer as a member/partner and attorney in one of the largest law firms in Mississippi.

Throughout her career, Karen earned recognition for her work and held numerous memberships and board positions at some of the most respected foundations and charities in Michigan and Mississippi. When they welcomed their son, Mark Edward Jr., in June 2005, Karen embraced motherhood with the same grace and determination she brought to every aspect of her life, pouring her heart into raising and supporting her son.

In 2010, Karen founded Livingston -Wilson & Associates, PLLC, a firm dedicated to serving clients with integrity and care specializing in health care, labor and employment, real estate, wills and estates, and environmental law. Karen's faith was the cornerstone of her life. She and Mark joined Pearl Street A.M.E. Church, where she became active in ministry work, serving as the Sunday School Teacher for the Edwin Mullen Young Adult Sunday School Class, a member of the Laura Felt Women's Missionary Society Unit 2, where she organized the yearly Angel Tree Project, singing in the Gospel Choir, serving on Stewardess Board #2, and holding the position of 2nd Vice President of the Lay Organization.

Karen's warm spirit and boundless generosity left an indelible mark on her church and community. Karen was an active member of The Links, Incorporated. She was a member of the Jackson (MS) Chapter of the Links, Incorporated. She was active with the Services to Youth, By -Laws, Social, History and Ethics and Standards Committees. She volunteered with numerous service projects, from supporting Christmas toy drives to student tutorials and mentoring.

Throughout her life, Karen found joy in the simple and extraordinary. Whether cheering on her son at soccer games, decorating her home with care, or traveling the world with her family, she lived with gratitude and purpose. Her favorite destination was Hawaii, where she and her family created cherished memories.

On Christmas morning, December 25, 2024, Karen peacefully transitioned to be with the Lord, surrounded by family and dedicated friends. She was preceded in death by her mother, Rosalee Adams Livingston, father, Ezra Livingston, Jr., and brother, Ezra Livingston, III. She leaves to mourn her passing and celebrate her life: her husband, Dr. Mark Edward Wilson, Sr.; son, Mark Edward, Jr.; sister, Judith A. Livingston; brother -in -law, Gregory Q. Wilson, Sr. (Brenda); sister -in -law, Katherine Carey (Reverend Aaron); nephew, Gregory Q. Wilson, Jr . (Trasha); niece, Jessica Stroud (Darius); two great -nieces, Humble and Aniyah ; goddaughter, Peyton Williams; long - time friends and Mark Edward's godparents, Dr. Marvin and Jean Harris; godmother figure, Dorothy Banks; Her Pearl Street AME Church Family; and a host of cousins, relatives, friends, and business associates.

Karen's kind heart, brilliant mind, and unwavering faith will forever inspire those who were fortunate enough to know her. In her memory, let us strive to embody Karen's values of compassion, perseverance, and service, carrying forward her legacy of love. The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to caregivers: Jean and Dr. Marvin Harris, Dorothy Banks, Cassandra and Tony Williams, Payton Williams, Dr. Cassandra Thomas, Dr. Vonda Reeves, Dr. Charletta Wright, Attorney Rajita Moss, Attorney Vikki Taylor, Dr. Joyce Wade - Hamme, Leah Hamme, Etta Stampley, Diana Collins, Mae Noel and Farry West; dedicated doctors: Dr. Mark Runnels, urologist; Dr. Tammy Young, oncologist; Dr. Laura Daily, gynecologist/oncologist; and the compassionate team at Baptist Hospice for their unwavering care and support during this difficult time. Your kindness and dedication brought comfort and peace to our Karen , and for that, we are deeply grateful.