Karen Wetmore Babcock

Karen Babcock, age 62, of Columbia, passed away on Monday, January 18, 2016 at Maury Regional Medical Center following an extended illness.

Karen was born on February 19, 1953 in Reno, Nevada to Ralph Wetmore and Dorothy Rand Wetmore. On May 28, 1971 she married Jim Babcock and they spent 44 wonderful years together, raising their family, making a home together and loving one another. She always called Jim her “CCC” husband – he was her cash, carry and clean-up guy. They made a perfect fit in that way because she loved welcoming people into her home, and had an enormous gift of hospitality. When they were younger, her children’s friends especially enjoyed hanging out there and she “adopted” everyone.

She loved hosting banquets, especially Christmas events, whether at home or at church. The dishes she was especially known for were Spanish coffee cake and lasagna – these were her legacy. Karen made friends everywhere she went, with everyone she met. For example if you saw her at the store, you would most likely find her praying with someone and they would be praying for her for healing from her extended illness. You could say that to know Karen was to love Karen. She loved to read, and she loved antiques. Also her cat Smokey was very special to her. She enjoyed being a rep for Avon. She loved the Lord and was a member of First Family Church in Columbia.

Karen is survived by her loving husband: Jim Babcock of Columbia; children: Stacey (Ed) Babcock Ellis of Columbia, Cassie Babcock Bender of Folsom, California and Thaddeus Babcock of Columbia; grandchildren: Joey, Jonah and Jordan Ellis, and Julianna Bender; siblings: Tim Wetmore, Terry Wall and Randy Wetmore. She was preceded in death by her parents: Ralph Wetmore and Dorothy Rand Wetmore; and brother: Danny Wetmore.

Funeral services to celebrate Mrs. Babcock’s life will be held on Saturday, January 23, 2016 at 1:00 p.m. at Williams Funeral Home in Columbia with Jeff Price and Dr. Steve Livengood officiating. Burial will follow at Polk Memorial Gardens. The family will visit with friends on Friday, January 22 from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. also at the funeral home.

Charlie Blackburn, Randy Wetmore, Tim Wetmore, Mickey Weiskircher, Roger Wall, Vaugn Richardson and other family and friends will serve as pallbearers.

Williams Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements and online condolences may be made at www.williamsfh.com .