Karen McDowell

Karen Sigmon McDowell, passed away on December 31st, 2018 at the Levine and Dickson Hospice House in Huntersville, N.C. She was born on September 4th to the late Lewis McCall Sigmon and Doris Hasty Sigmon in Charlotte, N.C. Karen grew up in a loving family and community. She inherited her mother's fashion sense and ability to turn a room into a thing of beauty. Karen adored her father and followed in his footsteps as he taught her to love riding horses, to respect and appreciate folks from all walks of life and how to be a good parent. Karen's priority was being a mother, but when all of her children were enrolled in school, she became a tremendous help at the family business, Sigmon's Gulf Service. She changed oil, inspected cars and operated the car wash along with the rest of the family. When the station closed, she went to work at Duke Energy as secretary to the Vice President. You might say that the work atmosphere was "electric" the day she met and later married her husband Stan. When Stan was deployed to nuclear sites, Karen was at his side. They were able to enjoy their time together at every new location and most of us have a little memento of the various places they traveled. They also enjoyed the numerous trips to the beach to stay and enjoy all the amenities at their home at Ocean Lakes Campground, SC. A ride with "Gran" behind the wheel of the golf cart usually turned into a humorous story for the family history books! Stan and Karen loved to entertain guests at their beloved home in McAdenville, N.C. Every December, the house was filled daily with friends and family who loved to visit and then walk the streets in Christmastown USA. Karen treasured the times she spent with their twelve grandchildren and made each visit an adventure designed on the specific interests of each child. She truly enjoyed the fun and fellowship with the "Long Creek" girls, close friends and her church family. She believed in sending handwritten notes to thank those who prayed, visited or brought a meal during the period of her declining health. Karen also befriended many of her health providers who continued to stay in touch with her over the years. Animals and birds of every feather also had a friend in Karen. So it's no wonder that she was delighted when her ducks trusted her enough to have babies under her deck. Survivors include her loving husband of 24 years, Stan R. McDowell; sister, Sherry Sigmon (Lou) of Matthews, N.C.; daughter, Kristi Huggins (Tim) of Concord N.C.; sons, Barry Hoover of Charlotte, Wayne Link, (Dianna) of Huntersville NC, Joshua Link (Melissa) of Stanley N.C. and Joseph McDowell (Jada) of Richford, NY; daughter-in-law, Katie McDowell Hemken (Justin) of Fairfax, VA; grandchildren, Katie Dewberry, Carson Hoover, Alexandra Link, Brayden Huggins, Cameron Hoover, Kendall Link, Marshall Link, Ava Link, Lenox McDowell, Major Link, and Weller McDowell; great-grandchild, Bennett Dewberry; and cherished family members, Renee Pasour, Lane Pasour (Lora), Debi Keller and Tami Palmer. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her son, Mark McDowell and mother-in-law, Nancy McDowell. The family will receive friends on Friday, January 4th, from 6pm until 8pm at McLean Funeral Directors in Belmont, N.C. A funeral service will be held at 1:00pm Saturday, January 5th at First Baptist Church in Belmont, N.C. with Doctor Tom Steagald officiating. Committal will follow in Gaston Memorial Park in Gastonia, N.C. In lieu of flowers, Karen's wishes were to honor the ultimate sacrifice of their son, Captain Mark McDowell, with a memorial to the Fallen Heroes Ministry at Sandy Ridge Baptist Church in Hickory, N.C. located at 3702 16th Street, Hickory, N.C. 28601. Condolences may be sent online by visiting www.mcleanfuneral.com McLean Funeral Directors of Belmont is serving the McDowell family.