Karen M. Bean, 76, of Camden, South Carolina, passed away on May 12, 2026. Born on May 22, 1949, she was the daughter of the late James and Mildred McMillan and a lifelong resident of South Carolina. Her faith in Jesus was the foundation of everything she was and in every trial or uncertainty, her steady counsel was always the same: "Go pray about it and trust Jesus" - words that brought comfort to all who were blessed to know her.

What mattered most to Karen were her children and grandchildren, whom she adored with all her heart. She was their biggest cheerleader, always present at their sporting events, plays, and other activities. She was a former member of Congaree Baptist Church, West Columbia, where she was very active, until moving to Camden and joining Bethel Worship Center.

Karen is survived by her daughter, Susie Ulmer (Ashley); son, Andy Bean (Shanda); sister, Linda Mann; grandchildren, Hunter Sturkie (Ashley), Taylor Sturkie (Michael Gadberry), Carter Ulmer (Sydney Miller), Ryan Bean, Logan Bean, Teagan Bean, Rhys Bean; great-grandchildren, Delilah Sturkie, Scarlet Sturkie, Ameliah Sturkie, Kyra Watson, Cole Gadberry, and one on the way, Skylar Gadberry; a sister-in-law, Donna McMillan; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, James and Mildred McMillan; brother, James "Jimmy" McMillan; and a brother-in-law, Sherman Mann. 

Visitation will be held for Karen on Saturday, May 30, 2026 from 1-2 pm at Bethel Worship Center, located at 814 Fair St, Camden, SC 29020. A celebration of life service will follow at 2:00pm at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Alzheimer's Association.