Celebrate your loved one’s life in a way that’s as independent as they were – in the Daily State News and BayTobayNews.com. Share fond memories, photos and information on celebrations of life using our easy, step-by-step process.
Karen Shaw Willis, of Smyrna, Delaware, and Hobe Sound, Florida, died Saturday, October 4, 2025, at Temple University Hospital in Philadelphia. She passed away from complications of non-smoker-related lung disease caused by scleroderma, a rare autoimmune disorder she had bravely battled for four years. She underwent a lung transplant in May in hopes of improving her quality of life.
Born and raised in Moorestown, New Jersey, Karen moved to Smyrna in her 20s and spent nearly 50 years as an active, generous member of the community. An avid volunteer, she was the founding president of the Holly’s Club of Smyrna. Known for her warmth and creativity, she had a gift for making everyone feel welcome and took special pride in continuing the family’s annual Thanksgiving dinner tradition begun by her late mother-in-law, Edna Willis.
Karen was preceded in death by her infant son, Brent Willis; her parents, Roy and Bert Shaw; and her sister-in-law, Judy Willis.
She is survived by her husband of 46 years, Harry “Skip” Willis; son, Justin Willis (West Palm Beach, FL); daughter, Ashley Willis McCauley, and son-in-law, Dr. Will McCauley, and grandsons Max and Wes McCauley (College Station, TX); and her sister and brother-in-law, Sharon and Joe Buckner (Ocala, FL).
Visitation: Monday, Oct. 13, 6–8 p.m., Asbury United Methodist Church, 20 W. Mt. Vernon St., Smyrna. Second visitation: Tuesday, Oct. 14, 10–11 a.m., followed by services at 11 a.m. Burial: Odd Fellows Cemetery, Smyrna. Reception: 1 p.m., Smyrna Opera House, 7 W. South St., Smyrna.
Full obituary and details: fariesfuneralhomes.com.
