Karen Auman Sandlin

January 18, 1952 - June 24, 2023
Karen Auman Sandlin
Karen Auman Sandlin, born on January 18th, 1952 in Asheboro, NC, passed away on June 24th, 2023 at CarolinaEast Medical Center in New Bern, NC at the age of 71. Karen dedicated her life to teaching, having worked as a teacher for over 42 years and as a kindergarten teacher for 37 years in Hilton Head, SC. She loved teaching, history, was artistic and enjoyed shopping.

Karen was married to Ronnie Earl Sandlin for over 28 years. They were best friends, traveled together, and loved each other very much. She was preceded in death by her father Hubert Yow Auman and mother Sarah Richards Auman, as well as her beloved fur-baby, Toy Fox Terrier, Jenny.

Karen is survived by her husband Ronnie Earl Sandlin; sister, Cathy Baiden (Chuck), two nephews, two nieces, and twelve grandnieces and grandnephews. Karen was a true graceful southern lady who never met a stranger and made a lasting lifetime impression on every person and every student. She received the Paul Harris Fellow Recognition and VanLandingham Commitment to Education Award.

Karen will be deeply missed by her family, friends, colleagues, and students. Her memory will live on in the hearts of those she touched.
No services are scheduled at this time.

“God looked around his garden- And found an empty place,
He then looked down upon the earth- And saw your tired face.
He put his arms around you -And lifted you to rest.
God’s garden must be beautiful -He always takes the best.
He knew that you were suffering -He knew you were in pain.
He knew that you would never – Get well on earth again.
He saw the road was getting rough – And the hills were hard to climb.
So he closed your weary eyelids – And whispered, ‘Peace be thine’.
It broke our hearts to lose you – But you didn’t go alone,
For part of us went with you – The day God called you home.”
–Anonymous

Joseph B. Paul Jr. Funeral Service is honored to serve the Sandlin family.

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  • July 25, 2023
    Anita Krimm says:
    I met Karen back in 1985 and we taught together at Hilton Head Primary School. She gave me the warmest welcome and we always got the teachers together over all of these years since. We really lost a gem. Prayers to Ron and all who knew and loved her.

  • July 18, 2023
    Jean Beacham says:
    Girl Scouts, Old Mill, basketball and so much more. Karen is a forever friend. When I think of her I laugh, and we loved to laugh. RIP dear Karen. Jean

  • July 11, 2023
    Barbara Catlow says:
    Ron, I was deeply saddened to learn of Karen‘s passing. I feel very fortunate to have met her, and I will never forget how happy she was to get that box of stuffed baby penguins for her classroom. She was such a dedicated teacher and a beautiful person, My thoughts and prayers are with you.

  • July 08, 2023
    Dennis & Kim Dodgson says:
    Our condolences Ron and family. May peace be with you and Karen's loved ones.

  • July 08, 2023
    Dennis & Kim Dodgson says:
    Our condolences Ron and family. She was always so kind. Peace be with you and her other loved ones.

  • July 04, 2023
    Ms. Austin says:
    Ms. Sandlin... It took me a while to post because this was very difficult to me. There are not enough words to adequately describe Ms. Sandlin. She was so sweet and kind and she ALWAYS had the kids best interest at heart. She worked in our pod and she was just genuinely a loving person. I remember seeing her come to work every morning while I would be outside. Sometimes her husband would drop her off in the mornings and she would have the BIGGEST smile. She loved her family, friends, and co workers!! She always had kind words of encouragement for me and she would ALWAYS say how cute I was in my skirts. I am considered beyond blessed to have encountered and known Ms. Sandlin. She was such a beautiful gentle soul. I am going to TRULY miss Ms. Sandlin!! My deepest prayers and condolences to her husband, children, and family (also to Ms. Karen Warco, they were such GOOD friends!). Pray God strengthens us all as we hold on to the pieces of love, kindness, and compassion that she left us with. Ms. Karen was SUCH a beautiful light! Deepest Sympathy, Ms. Austin

  • July 02, 2023
    Debbie Cook says:
    Oh my gosh…..I am shocked & very sad! She was my sons kindergarten teacher & we saw her very often at community events & favorite spots! Please know our family is very saddened by this, we have wonderful memories & picture of teacher & friend ❤️

  • June 29, 2023
    Celia Moody says:
    Karen was my favorite of my sisters friends in school and after. They lost touch over the years but she’ll always have fond memories in my heart. Celia Richardson Moody

  • June 28, 2023
    Sue L.Cavinesd says:
    Karen was a great friend to me.We played basketball together She spent a lot of time at our home and I spent a lot of time at her house.I loved her parents.We shared beach trips , mountain