Karen Sue Tate

Karen Sue Tate, age 84, of Flint, died on Sunday, February 23, 2025 at Sugarbush Manor, Flint. The family will receive visitors from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM on Monday, March 3, 2025 at Sharp Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 6063 Fenton Rd., Grand Blanc. A graveside service will follow visitation on Monday at 3:00 PM in Flint Memorial Park Cemetery, Mt. Morris. 

Karen was born on November 14, 1940, in Hale, Michigan, to Stanley and Virginia (Bell) Bielby. She graduated from Dye High School, and on November 4, 1962, she married the love of her life, James Tate, in Lennon. Together, they shared a joyful life, enjoying bowling leagues and spending treasured moments with friends and family at their weekly euchre parties. Sadly, James passed away on November 5, 2005, leaving a deep void in her heart.  

Throughout her life, Karen was a remarkable and successful entrepreneur, dedicating herself to several ventures, including managing and hosting at the Shorthorn Steak House, earning accolades with Century 21 as a real estate agent, and owning and managing Georgia Inn Apartments and Motel, KD Hauling, and ABC Cleaners. Her passion for hard work and dedication to her businesses was truly inspiring. 

Karen was known for her boundless creativity and her unmatched decorating talent. She had a special gift for making holidays magical, with stunning table settings and beautifully wrapped Christmas gifts, each adorned with ribbons, ornaments, and hidden treasures tucked inside homemade bows. Her home was always a reflection of her love and care. 

Above all, Karen’s greatest joy was her family, especially her beloved grandchildren. She created endless memories with them—swimming with her grandsons until they were pruney, taking her granddaughters to tea parties filled with costume jewelry, gloves, and fancy hats at the Cantonese Restaurant. She would sing “You Are My Sunshine” while swinging on the porch swing, host fun pool parties, weekend sleepovers, and unforgettable holiday gatherings—her Halloween, Christmas Eve, and New Year’s Eve parties were legendary. Karen’s generosity knew no bounds, and she taught all of us the beauty of giving, and creating cherished family traditions, like the exciting hunt for the Christmas pickle. Her love, warmth, and spirit will forever be missed and never forgotten. 

She is survived by her children, James III (Sharon), Corey (Kristie), Kody (Brooke), Russ (Elaine), Pat (Kathy), Rodney (Carol), and Laurie (Kevin) Elmore, grandchildren, Penny, Mike, Ben (Brittany), Thom (Precious), Kole (Brittany), Raeann (Kenneth), Lily (Donnie), Tristan, Jimi (Joe) and Jillian; many great-grandchildren; brothers, Jim (Sherry) Bielby, Mark Bielby; sister, Gail (Ron) Edgar; and many nieces and nephews. 

In addition to her parents and husband, Karen was preceded in death by her children, Michael, and Deb Brewster. Tributes may be shared at www.sharpfuneralhomes.com