Obituary of Karen C. Gaines McElrath
Karen C. Gaines McElrath, age 69, of Joliet, IL, passed away peacefully Wednesday, November 27, 2024, at her home surrounded by her family. She was born in Bloomington, IL, on October 10, 1955, a daughter of the late Luvenia M. (Watts) Taylor and Duane Joseph Gaines.
Karen grew up in Normal before her family moved to Joliet. She graduated from Joliet East High School and Joliet Junior College. She worked for Honeywell, Argon National Laboratory, Joliet Correctional Center, the Spanish Center and was the Co-owner of Miss Camille’s Variety Club.
Karen loved to travel and enjoy life, but her main focus was empowering others in her community. Karen was a member of many groups and associations that were focused on entrepreneurship, education, and empowerment. Most notably, she was a member of National Hook-Up of Black Women, Black Chamber of Commerce, and Including You, Inc.
She was the widow of Donald “Donnie” Carcais McElrath. On July 24, 1983, they were married at Morganton, North Carolina. Also preceded in death by her parents, grandparents, numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Karen is survived by two brothers, Andre (Valerie) Gaines, of Joliet, IL and Keith (the late Bernestine) Gaines, of Milwaukee, WI; step-brother, Terry (Nena) Taylor; mother and father in-law, Ora Lee and Coy Jones McElrath; sister in-law, Yolanda McElrath; “adopted” daughter, Angel Olden-Coe; special cousins, Stephanie Williams, Sandy McGowan, and Nate Corpending; special friends, Donetta Prater, Carolyn Spinks, and Melissa White; and a multitude of cousins, nieces, nephews, other relatives and dear friends.
Visitation for Karen C. Gaines McElrath will be Friday, December 13, 2024, from 10:00 a.m. until the time of her Celebration Service at 11:00 a.m. at Mt. Zion Baptist Church, 402 Singleton Place, Joliet, IL. Interment will be private.
For more information, please call (815) 741-5500 or visit her Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com where you can share a favorite memory or leave an online condolence.
