Obituary of Karen Nichols Hayner

Karen Nichols Hayner, age 86, died peacefully at UNC Hospitals on September 28, 2024, after a long illness.

Karen was born July 26, 1938, in Mercer County, Kentucky, to the late Eldred E. and Olive (Lester) Nichols. She graduated from the University of Kentucky and taught in high schools and community colleges in Kentucky, Florida, and North Carolina.

In addition to supporting her beloved husband, Dr. Jerry Hayner, in his ministry, she was a published co-author of two books and several magazine articles. Through the years, she served in many volunteer organizations, such as the Friends of the Library Board, and on numerous committees. She was a public school volunteer, taught English as a Second Language, taught church school for 31 years, and was an ordained deacon in the Baptist church. She was an avid reader who loved to cook and entertain.

Through her husband's ministry, Karen lived in four states and made a significant impact in each. She developed lasting friendships everywhere she lived, becoming an active member of the University Baptist Church in Chapel Hill for many years. Later, she joined the University Presbyterian Church, where she was building new friendships before her illness.

Karen was preceded in death by her husband, Jerry Hayner, and her son, Todd Hayner. She is survived by her daughter Kelli (Scott) Smith of Chapel Hill; five grandchildren, Morgan (Henry) Stapp, Brian Smith, Kayla, Savannah, and Dylan Hayner; four great-grandchildren, Avery and Emily Stapp, and Caden and Charlie Caroleo; three brothers, Lynn (Ann) Nichols, Nolan (Lynda) Nichols, and Earl Kent (Linda) Nichols, all of Harrodsburg, KY; and several nieces and nephews.

The family appreciates Heartland Hospice and UNC Hospitals for their compassionate care.

A private interment of ashes will be held at a later date.

Instead of flowers, the family requests memorial gifts be made to the University Presbyterian Church designated for the Pastor’s Discretionary Fund.