Karen Jo Miller

Karen Jo Miller, 72, of Columbia, died on Friday, August 14, 2026. Karen was born on August 19, 1953, in Fort Eustis, Virginia, to Clarence and Joyce Bunch Steele.

She was raised in a military family and moved to several Army bases when her father was transferred. Karen had the opportunity to live in Oklahoma, Georgia, Maryland, and North Carolina. She graduated from high school in Fayetteville, NC, and enjoyed a successful career as a bookkeeper. Karen was employed for many years with the South Carolina Electric Co-Op and Kilbourne Park Baptist Church. She retired in 2016 to devote more time to her family.

Karen was a member of First Baptist Church of Columbia where she sang in the church choir until her health issues intervened. She had a heart for foreign missions, traveling to China and Brazil to promote Christian gospel and provide humanitarian aid. Karen was also a sponsor of numerous underprivileged children in foreign countries. In her spare time, she enjoyed traveling and exploring various historical sites. Although she endured many health challenges later in life, she accomplished going skydiving, ziplining, and cliff repelling.

Surviving to cherish her memory are her husband, David R. Miller; daughter, Erin Moon of Myrtle Beach, SC; sister, Teresa Daunce (Mike) of Sherrills Ford, NC; brother, Ronald Steele (Lisa) of Madison, AL; and grandson, Nicholas Hassel of Myrtle Beach, SC. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her son, Christopher Moon.

The memorial service to celebrate Karen’s life will be held at 12 o’clock on Friday, August 21st at Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, 7600 Trenholm Road Ext., Columbia, SC, with Rev. Richard Humphries officiating. The family will receive friends at the funeral home prior to the services beginning at 11 o'clock.

Memorials may be sent City of Columbia Animal Services, 127 Human Lane, Columbia, SC 29209 or to First Baptist Church, 1306 Hampton St, Columbia, SC 29201.

Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, is assisting the family.