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Karen Register Lucas, 70, a resident of Salisbury, passed away on March 24, 2021. Daughter of the late Nina Grace & Fred Monroe (F.M.) Register, she grew up in Kinston, North Carolina and graduated from Grainger High School. A lifelong learner with an insatiable curiosity, Karen was a full-scholarship graduate of East Carolina University. She held a Bachelor’s degree in Music from East Carolina and Master’s degrees in Christian Education and Theological Studies from Pfeiffer University and from Hood Theological Seminary, respectively.
Karen and her husband of nearly 45 years, James Carlton Lucas, are lifelong Christians who met at the First Freewill Baptist Church of Kinston during their grade school years where Karen was often seen sitting on the organ bench beside her mother who served as long-time music minister of the Kinston church. Following closely in her mom’s footsteps, Karen also served in music ministry at nearly every church she attended throughout her adult life – filling countless church services with her musical gifts on both piano and organ.
The devoted wife of a pastor, Karen served alongside her husband Carlton for many years as he pastored United Methodist churches in the Davidson County area and in Gold Hill. She later joined the faculty at Hood Theological Seminary thereby beginning a teaching career which ultimately brought them to their life in Salisbury. Initially, Karen taught a great many of the musical courses at Hood. But after enrolling as a student in New Testament Greek, she found that she also “had a liking for that subject” and began teaching New Testament Greek courses as well.
Music always played an important role in Karen’s life. Since moving to Salisbury, she served in music ministry as the church pianist & organist for Grace Lutheran Church. In her early adult life, she also taught piano lessons in her Kinston home, passing her many musical talents along to the next generation of young pianists. To know her was to also know the sound of her beautiful music filling the walls of the local church.
Karen had a quick wit, a beautiful smile, loved to laugh, and possessed an insatiable appetite for knowledge. She is survived by her loving husband, James Carlton Lucas, also of Kinston, NC. She is also survived by her younger brother, James (Jim) Register and his wife Nila, of Kinston, NC; her canine companion named Paisley; and her sister-in-law Patsy Lucas Exum of Georgetown, TX and 3 nieces, 3 great nephews, and 1 great niece who all reside in Texas.
A memorial service in celebration of Karen’s life will be held at Grace Lutheran Church on Friday, April 30, 2021 at 1:30 pm.
Carolina Cremation of Salisbury is assisting the Lucas family. Online condolences may be made at www.carolinacremation.com
Maria, Matt & Abbey Garrett says
We are more than sad to be saying goodbye to my Aunt Karen at this time. Although I always lived hundreds of miles away from her and my Carlton, I felt a special connection to them as if the miles and distance between us mattered not. She was the love of my Uncle Carlton’s life, the light in his days, and the constant companion by his side. They laughed and loved together for many, many years. I know he will miss her so.
Sending so much love to you, Uncle Carlton, and we look forward to reuniting with Aunt Karen in our heavenly home together one day.
Hilda Exum says
Pat Exum
April 23, 2021
My heart is breaking for you, my sweet brother. There are no words that can make it feel better right now, but just know that you are in my thoughts and prayers constantly. I love you with all my heart and I bet your precious Karen, and Ken, the love of my life, are up there having a good old visit right now. We can rejoice knowing that one day we will all be together again.
Becky Lippard says
Carlton, I am sending my deepest sympathy and prayers for you. I always admired your lovely wife, Karen. She shared her gifts and love of music with a smile. I pray that you feel the loving arms of God strengthen and support you during this tremendous loss.
Regina Dancy says
Carlton, Hood Theological Seminary offers our sincere condolences. Karen was such a sweet soul who brought such joy to our campus. Both of you were intricate parts of our community. We are praying you feel the comfort, presence and peace of God during this time.
Carolyn Hammill says
Carlton, I was so sorry to hear of Karen’s passing. She will always be remembered for the cantatas we had at the Gold Hill/Bethlehem Charge and it was always a treat to play organ and piano with her at service at Bethlehem. May God comfort you with His love and strength in the days ahead. Sending sincere sympathy.
Nicole Maidlow says
Uncle Carlton,
We are saddened by the loss of Aunt Karen. Such wonderful memories for me growing up and we hope you know how blessed we felt to be able to come visit with you all when the boys were younger. You are in our thoughts and prayers. I do hope that she and Dad and all our other loved ones are having a reunion. May the love and life you two shared together provide memories to comfort your heart and soul. We love you so much!
Love Nicole, Derek, Kade & Noah
Ruth H Hammill says
Will always remember Karen for our music program at Bethlehem and the robes she acquired for us. May God Bless you in your sorrow, Carlton.