Karen Money La Baw, age 74, of Marion, went home to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and her beloved son, Joseph Andrew “Drew” La Baw.

Karen was born on May 28, 1951, in Dade County, Florida, to the late Edgar Lowell Money and June Rudolph Money. A woman of deep and abiding faith, Karen lived her life as a testimony to God’s love and grace. She was a faithful and devoted member of Greenlee Baptist Church, where she joyfully worshiped, studied God’s Word, and served her church family. Her trust in the Lord guided her through every season of life, and her gentle spirit reflected the compassion and kindness of her Savior.

Karen dedicated her career to teaching in both Ohio and North Carolina, where she poured her heart into the lives of countless students. During her years as an educator, she developed a program for at-risk teens designed to help prepare them for life beyond the classroom, teaching responsibility, integrity, and hope. Her visionary program was so impactful that it was approved through the state legislatures in both states.

Even beyond her full-time teaching, Karen continued her mission to uplift others by serving as a certified rape guidance counselor on nights and weekends, a role she lovingly referred to as her ministry. She was always willing to listen, encourage, and guide those who needed a helping hand or a kind word. Karen was someone who always put others first, living out her faith daily through selfless service and genuine compassion.

She found her greatest joy in her faith, her family, and in the many lives she touched through her love and encouragement. Those left to cherish her memory are her devoted husband and best friend of more than 60 years, Richard “Rick” La Baw, Jr., who was blessed to share a lifetime of love and faith with her; her daughter, Michelle Teeter (John) of Harmony, NC; five treasured grandchildren, Joel, Ellie, Carmia, Tallie, and Aliyah Teeter; and her sister, Marcia McGee (Chuck) of Inverness, FL.

A memorial service to honor Karen's life will be held on Saturday, January 31, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. at Greenlee Baptist Church with Richard La Baw and Jonathan Tipper officiating. A visitation will be held one hour prior to the service from 2:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to make a donation in Karen’s memory are asked to consider Samaritan’s Purse, at www.samaritanspurse.org

Praise God, from Whom all blessings flow;

Praise Him, all creatures here below;

Praise Him above, ye heavenly hosts;

Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.

Amen

— Thomas Ken, 1673