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Mill Spring— Karen Sue Parker-Binns, 75, peacefully passed at 11:59 p.m. on Saturday, April 22, 2024, in her home at 7382 Hwy 108 East, Mill Spring, N.C.

Karen was born in Knox County, Ohio, to her parents, James and Hazel Parker, and spent her

formative years in the Mount Vernon area. After attending Bowling Green University, her move

to Fort Lauderdale Florida would eventually be the catalyst to a lifelong adventure with her future husband Robert Binns. Their life together began at ‘Maggie Mae’s” of Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

Karen met her soulmate as a waitress who fell in love with the owner of the establishment. From there on, her life began to take shape. Their adventures together spanned 46 years of owning and operating many businesses including but not limited to “The Fairview Cafe” of Wildwood, N.J; “B.J. Binns Tropical Plants and Trees” of Fort Lauderdale Fla.,. and most recently, “Parker-Binns Vineyard” of Mill Spring, N.C. Her life was never consumed by work, no matter how disciplined and focused she was. In fact, her zest for life led them to 4 consecutive years of sailing the world together on their sailboat, literally leaving the rest of the world in their wake.

Second only to business, her passions included LOTS of sun, walks on many beaches, art collection, music, gardening, sewing, and world travel. Karen made it a priority to see the world with her Captain. Over the years, she spent countless times in small towns, states, and countries around the world while unknowingly leaving an everlasting impression on every person she met along the way.

“Leave a mark, dance like no one’s watching, and love hardest.” She said it and lived it.

Karen is survived by her loving Husband, Robert J. Binns, and Three daughters: Lulu, Kathy, and Kelly of Mill Spring, N.C.; Two sons: Robert and John of Fort Lauderdale and Cape Coral Fla.; Four grandchildren: Ashley, Cory, Andrea, and Nathaniel, and three great-grandchildren: Julien, Hunter, and Jonah. She is also survived by her son-in-law William, granddaughter-in-law Alicia, and grandson-in-law Pierce.

A visitation will be held on Monday, April 29, 2024, from 5-7 p.m. at McFarland’s Funeral Chapel, Tryon, N.C. The Family welcomes all to come visit Karen for the last time and celebrate her amazing life every day forward.

Memorials may be made to:

Foothills Humane Society: PO Box 985, Columbus, NC 28722.

Southern Paws Animal Rescue: 742 Calhoun Trail, Rutherfordton, NC 28139

American Brain Tumor Association: 8550 W. Bryn Mawr Ave. Ste 550 Chicago, IL 60631

An online guest register is available at www.mcfarlandfuneralchapel.com

 

McFarland Funeral Chapel
Tryon