Karol Dunford, beloved mother and friend, passed away at her home on November 12, 2022 surrounded by loved ones, including her fur-babies.

Karol was born May 29, 1945 in Burnwell, WV, the eldest daughter of the late Earl Hansford and Helen Cunningham Dunford. She graduated Sherman High School in 1963, and afterward joined the US Air Force. She was stationed at Maxwell Airforce Base in Montgomery, Alabama during segregation at the beginning of her enlistment, a difficult time in history. She then served proudly as a nurse during the Vietnam War. As a veteran, Karol’s military service to our country created a deep belief in freedom and justice for all, which she perpetuated by instilling this value through example, by voting in every election she was able. When Karol left the Air Force, she became a graduate of Roberto’s College of Beauty, and went on to own a successful salon in San Jose, CA for over 20 years. She then returned to her home state of West Virginia to raise her daughter, Randee, her greatest joy.

A devout Catholic, Karol was active in her church and inspired by the life and work of Mother Teresa, who she met in 1987. You would often find Karol cooking for someone who needed a hot meal; buying toys for needy children; and opening her home to elderly rescue dogs. She lived by Mother Teresa’s belief that “At the end of life we will not be judged by how many diplomas we have received, how much money we have made, or how many great things we have done. We will be judged by 'I was hungry, and you gave me something to eat, I was naked, and you clothed me. I was homeless, and you took me in'.”

Later in life, Karol endured many hardships. Her health began to decline, and then she lost her Rainelle home, along with her beloved rescue dog, Frankie, in the flood of 2016 that swept southeastern West Virginia. Due to this, she moved to South Charleston. Even throughout bedside paralysis with poor health, she was able to create a new community with which to share her tenacious energy.

Karol loved reading and home decor. Her beautifully decorated Christmas trees, much like her personality, were larger than life. She will be remembered as a kind friend with a sharp wit, who was generous with her time. Despite all her challenges, her faith and friends continued to be lifelong comforts.

Karol was proceeded in death by her parents, and brothers Randy Dunford and Cecil Dunford. Surviving, is her only child, Randee Suzer (Ryan); siblings Sheila O’Neal (Dale) of Winifrede, WV; Yvonne Rodriguez (Mike) of Boulder Creek, CA; Greg Dunford (Kim) of Boulder Creek, CA; beloved caregivers Lela Robinson and Heather Moore; and rescue fur-babies, Peetie, Pan, Stella, and Booper.

Visitation will be from 10 to 11 am on Saturday, November 19, 2022 at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church (305 E St, South Charleston, WV) with a Memorial Mass Service to celebrate her Life to follow in the chapel at 11 am. One may offer condolences online through Karol’s www.acofwv.com tribute wall.