Karen B. Gee

Karen B. Gee, 73, of Columbia, died at her home on March 28, 2026, under the care of her twin sister, Karla Mackey and sister, Cynthia Kanaley.

Born on November 19, 1952, in Newark, New Jersey, she was the daughter of Charles H. and Eileen Woelber Brown. In addition to her parents, Karen was preceded in death by her husband, Alexander "Sandy" N. Gee Jr.

Karen was an entrepreneur in the real estate sector, where her talents for purchasing, revitalizing, and selling properties brought new life to many homes. Her business knowledge extended beyond real estate, as a self-taught investor. She enjoyed being able to help many residents over the years find homes for either rent or purchase within Columbia and surrounding areas.

In her personal life, Karen found joy in knitting, devoting her talents to crafting chemo caps for patients undergoing chemotherapy, offering comfort and warmth to those in need. Her love for adventure was perhaps best exemplified by her passion for motorcycling and traveling. Karen fulfilled a lifelong dream by riding the iconic Route 66 on a Harley Davidson with her beloved husband, Sandy on multiple occasions.

Her compassion extended to all living creatures, but she held a special place in her heart for animals, particularly her cats. Karen’s advocacy for animal welfare was a testament to her nurturing spirit and her belief in the dignity of all beings.

Karen is survived by her twin sister, Karla Mackey, who was by her side until the end. She also leaves behind her siblings, Cynthia Kanaley of Mt. Airy, NC, Mary Anderson (Jim) of Stroudsburg, PA, and Matthew Vogt (Nancy) of Sacramento, CA, as well as her stepmother, Joan Brown of Kernersville, NC.

A celebration of Karen's life will be held at Hangar Loft Events in Columbia, SC on April 12, 2026 at 5:00 pm. Karen’s friends and family will be in attendance to greet and mingle while sharing stories from over the years.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Karen’s name to any of your beloved charities. Karen gave to many that she cared about and would love to see you do the same.