Funeral service for Pastor Karen Renee Williams, 62 of Killeen, TX will be held Friday, January 2, 2026, 10:30 a.m. at Christian House of Prayer in Killeen, TX. Burial will follow the service at the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery in Killeen, TX at 1 p.m.

Viewing will be held from (9:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.) prior to the service at the church.

Services will be livestreamed via the Christian House of Prayer YouTube channel link below:
https://www.youtube.com/@christianhouseofprayer

Karen Renee Williams, a devoted servant, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and aunt, passed away, concluding a life defined by faith, generosity, and unwavering commitment to her family, friends and ministry.

Born on September 20, 1963, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and she passed away on December 18, 2025, in Killeen, TX. Karen was the cherished daughter of the late William (Bill) Royster and Nellie Holcomb. She was educated in the Philadelphia Public School system and was a proud graduate of Murrell Dobbins Vocational Technical High School, receiving honors with the Class of 1981. She subsequently pursued her passion for writing with two years of undergraduate studies in journalism at Temple University.

Following her studies, Karen was employed by the U.S. Postal Service in the Computer Forwarding Unit for several years. It was during this time that she accepted Jesus Christ as her Savior and Lord in April 1984, becoming a faithful member of the Cathedral of Faith Missionary Baptist Church in Philadelphia, where she served actively on several auxiliaries.

Affectionately known as "Beanie" by her loved ones in Philadelphia, Karen was a profoundly loving and giving person. She held a special, nurturing love for her nieces and nephews, serving as a second mother to them in their younger years. She delighted in taking them on trips and outings—to the movies, amusement parks, sports activities, and basketball games—always encouraging them to strive for excellence. Her kindness shone through in her quiet selflessness, as she consistently offered her time, talents, and resources to family, co-workers, neighbors, and her church family.

In September 1990, after much prayer and an inner call to relocation, Karen and her son, Jarrell, followed her mother and older sister Linda to Copperas Cove, Texas. She often cited this move as one of the best decisions of her life, as it led her directly to the Christian House of Prayer (CHOP), where she immediately became a devoted member under the leadership of her brother, Bishop Nate and Pastor Valerie Holcomb.

While attending CHOP, Karen met the love of her life, Marvin Williams. After a brief courtship, they were united in Holy Matrimony on April 25, 1992, embarking on a joyful and committed 33-year marriage rooted in their vow to honor Christ first and remain connected through open communication. They were the best of friends, sharing every aspect of their lives.

Out of this loving union came two beautiful children: Jarrell Marvin Williams, who Marvin adopted in 1992, and their daughter, Tiffany Shanee, born a year later. Karen embraced the role of "MiMi" to her three granddaughters, Mariya Williams, Jade Williams and the late Ayva Laniya Dunlap Williams. As a family, they enjoyed countless trips and outings together, including memorable journeys to places like Hawaii, England, France and Spain.

Karen served full-time on the Administrative Staff of the Christian House of Prayer since February 1992, holding vital roles as Pastor Valerie's Personal Assistant, Bookstore and Tape Duplication auxiliary leader, Deacons and currently as the Finance Administrator. She completed her studies at Speak the Word Bible School and was a graduate of the Inaugural Class of Sonship School of the Firstborn in 2007.

Her dedication to ministry culminated in her licensure as a minister under Covenant Connections International (CCI) in 2004, her ordination as Elder under Pastor Valerie Holcomb in June 2018, and her ordination as Staff Pastor in January 2025.

For over 34 years in Texas, Karen remained the same loving and caring individual she was in Philadelphia, a special Auntie, and a dedicated member of the Christian House of Prayer, pouring out her love and kindness to the Super Saints community.

Karen leaves to cherish her memory her beloved husband, Marvin Williams; her children, Jarrell (Darelene) Williams of Dallas, TX, and Tiffany Williams (fiancé' Dante' Pickett) of Houston, TX; and her granddaughters, Mariya and Jade Williams. She is survived by her sisters, Linda (Richard) Boykin, Valerie (Vickie) Steward, and Yvette Holcomb, all of Texas; her aunt Betty Perry of Philadelphia, PA; and her special niece and "Bonus" daughters, Camryn Dudley and Courtney Hensly. Also mourning her loss are her in-laws, Valerie Holcomb, Vernita McCoy, Letitia Williams, Keith Williams, and Tracy Williams, along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and her extended Christian House of Prayer family and friends.

Karen was preceded in death by her parents, William Royster and Nellie Holcomb; her mother-in-love, Natalie Williams; Her brother, Bishop Nathaniel Holcomb; her grandparents; her aunt and uncles; her niece, Nicole Holcomb Dudley; and her nephew, Giovanni Moriniere.