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Karen Kirks Alexander, a trailblazing architect, dedicated public servant, and cherished matriarch, passed away on December 29, 2024, at the age of 74. As Mayor of Salisbury and founder of KKA Architecture, Karen’s extraordinary life was defined by her unwavering dedication to family, community, and visionary leadership.
Family was at the heart of Karen’s life. She is survived by husband, Henry Alexander, son, Daniel Almazan, his wife Christy, grandchildren, Tyler, Isabella, and Mason as well as her brother, Paul Allen Kirks. She was preceded in death by her mother, Jettie Allen Kirks, father, James Henry Kirks and brother James Titus Kirks. Karen is also survived by several beloved nieces and nephews.
A memorial service to celebrate Karen’s life will be held on Saturday, January 11th, at 2:00 PM at the Omwake-Dearborn Chapel at Catawba College, followed by a reception next door at the Center for the Environment. In lieu of flowers, the family invites memorial gifts in Karen’s name.
You may choose to support either a future memorial project or the Henry B. & Karen K. Alexander Educational Foundation, based on your preference. Contributions for the memorial project may be sent to the City of Salisbury, Attn: Finance Department for Mayor Alexander, PO Box 479, Salisbury, NC 28145. Gifts to the Educational Foundation may be sent to the Foundation For The Carolinas, Alexander 4162, 220 N. Tryon St, Charlotte, NC 28202.
Born on March 4, 1950, to Jettie Allen Kirks and Henry T. Kirks, Karen grew up with an innate curiosity and passion for creativity. This foundation led her to pursue a distinguished academic path. She earned a Master of Architecture and Urban Design from the University of North
Carolina at Charlotte and later received an honorary Doctorate of Letters from Invertis University in India. Her academic and professional achievements reflected her reputation as a leader in sustainable and community-focused architectural design.
Karen’s career began with the establishment of KKA Architecture in 1989. As its president, she cultivated a practice that married innovation with deep respect for the communities she served. Her designs, including the award-winning Center for the Environment at Catawba College,
exemplified her philosophy that architecture should reflect the individuality of clients and occupy a light footprint on the earth. Karen’s firm received numerous accolades, including honors from the American Institute of Architects for sustainable design. Her ability to transform spaces into
community landmarks remains visible throughout Salisbury and beyond.
Karen transitioned her passion for building spaces into building communities. She was appointed to the Salisbury City Council in 2013 and elected Mayor in 2015, a role she served with distinction for multiple terms. Under her leadership, Salisbury flourished. She prioritized
economic development, historic preservation, and inclusive city planning. Her commitment to collaboration and teamwork won her respect across political and social divides. Karen’s tenure as President of the North Carolina League of Municipalities showcased her ability to inspire and
unite leaders from across the state.
Among her many honors, Congressman Ted Budd entered a Congressional Record Commendation in 2022, recognizing her contributions to her city, state, and nation. The Salisbury City Council also presented her with a Proclamation of Appreciation for her
exceptional leadership and advocacy. These accolades reflect not only her professional achievements but also her personal character. Karen was described by colleagues as kind, thoughtful, and genuinely invested in the well-being of others.
Karen’s family fondly remembers her as a nurturing and attentive presence who always made time to support their dreams. Her daughter-in-law, Christy Mason Almazan, shared a moving tribute: “Karen had a way of making you feel like the very center of her attention. Her love was
immense, and her presence was radiant.”
Karen’s friends and colleagues recall her as a beacon of strength and inspiration and her impact extended beyond her city to global audiences. As a visiting lecturer at institutions like Pratt College of Design and Invertis University, she inspired students to approach architecture as
both art and social responsibility. Her involvement in the Bloomberg Harvard Leadership Program for Mayors exemplified her commitment to continuous learning and growth. Karen’s ability to bridge local and global perspectives enriched every project she undertook.
Her dedication to the community was evident in her extensive civic involvement. From serving on the Salisbury Historic Preservation Commission to leading the Waterworks Visual Arts Center Board of Directors, Karen’s contributions spanned a wide array of causes. Her
leadership roles in organizations like the North Carolina League of Municipalities and Healthy Rowan demonstrated her holistic approach to community well-being. Karen believed in fostering environments where people could thrive, and her efforts left an indelible mark on Salisbury’s
physical and cultural landscapes.
Karen’s philosophy of life and work emphasized harmony, respect, and collaboration. She often said, “Each project is an extension of the client and their unique story. The spaces we create must honor that individuality while contributing positively to the community.” This belief guided
her architectural designs and her leadership style, earning her admiration from clients, colleagues, and constituents alike.
Even in her final months, Karen’s strength and grace shone brightly. After stepping back from her mayoral duties in October to focus on her health, she remained a symbol of resilience and dedication. Her battle with cancer was fought with the same determination and optimism that
defined her life. The outpouring of tributes following her passing underscores the profound impact she had on those around her.
Karen’s legacy lives on in the cityscapes she shaped, the policies she championed, and the countless lives she touched. Her work as an architect and mayor will continue to inspire future generations, while her kindness and compassion will remain etched in the hearts of her family
and friends.
As Salisbury and the wider community mourn the loss of a remarkable leader, we find comfort in the knowledge that Karen’s spirit will endure. Her love for her family, her passion for her work, and her unwavering belief in the power of community leave a legacy that will continue to shine
as a beacon of hope and inspiration for years to come.
Jim Gobbel says
Karen. A genuinely friendly person. She was always willing to work together for the betterment of our communities. The best representative of Salisbury.
Former Mayor Jim Gobbel and wife Marla
Spencer
Digna Freirich says
All my condolences to the family. She was a very special lady,. I was fortune enough to have her create beautiful things in my house as an architecture and would be remember as one of the best mayor in Salisbury. Rest In Peace my friend.
Dr. James Y. Hunder, Sr. says
On behalf of the board of directors of the Liberian Organization of the Piedmont (LOP) based in Winston Salem, NC , I extend heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family of my esteemed friend and Mayor Karen Kirk Alexander. She was a indeed a visionary leader who was passionately interested in the further exposure and connecting Salisbury City with other international cities. Hence, the sister cities relationship between Salisbury city and the Monrovia City Corporation (MCC), the capital city of Africa’s oldest independence country-Liberia. I was saddened when she texted me during the LOP International Liberation Gala on September 28, 2024 that she couldn’t attend the event because of serious health issues. Her passing has left an irreplaceable spot in the heart’s of many Liberians here and at home. May her beautiful soul rest in perfect peace and may her farsighted approval for lasting relationship between Salisbury city and Monrovia, Liberia become enshrined as part of her legacy and may her family take solace in the Lord!
Sincerely,
Dr. James Y. Hunder, Sr.
Chairman of the LOP board
http://www.intlliberationgala.org
Rob Johnson says
Very sad and shocking news. She was indeed a gem of a person. I admired and appreciated her professionally and personally from our respective pathways of being UNC CLT grads, architects, and engagement with and leadership of AIA CLT.
Prayers are being streamed to her family for comfort and strength. Fully expect treasured memories of her will bring spontaneous moments of joy forevermore.
Jeanne A Mercer-Ballard says
I was so sad to hear of Karen’s passing. She was a beautiful soul. I was lucky to meet her and work with her on the design of the Center for the Environment (one of her great works), and later she served our our Interior Design Advisory Board at App State when I was Coordinator of the program. I witnessed first-hand her incredible mentoring of the next generations of designers and architects. She has left a huge legacy. Thinking of her family!