W.T. Shumake & Daughters

July 30, 1949 - June 21, 2025

Karen Olivia Spencer Bowman Harper, 75, of Louisville transitioned on Saturday, June 21, 2025.

Visitation 4:30-6:30pm Monday, June 30, 2025, at W.T Shumake & Daughters Funeral Home 3815 Newburg Road. Funeral to follow at 6:30pm.

Karen Olivia Spencer Harper was born on July 30, 1949, in Russellville, Kentucky (Logan County) to Daisy King and William Spencer. She was their only child. She was raised in the Catholic Church.

Educated in the Jefferson County Public School System, Karen graduated from Seneca High School in 1967. Karen began her working career at PNC Bank as a technician and was promoted to Human Resources Administrator and Assistant Payroll Manager giving them 33 years of service. With her Human Resource experience in hand, she joined SHPS and Humana’s Customer Service Department.

In her spare time, Karen enjoyed reading, sewing, painting ceramics, bowling and watching basketball and football. She was truly a Cardiac Card #1 Fan who traveled to support her team.. Spending time in her garden was another thing she cherished when she was not traveling across the country taking in the vastness of the world. Every now and then you might find her listening to her favorite music artists Luther Vandross, Charlie Wilson (GAP Band) and Nina Simone.

Last but certainly not least, she was a loving mother, extraordinary grandmother, and a kind, caring and considerate friend.

Karen Olivia Spencer Harper at the age of 74, departed this life on Saturday, June 21, 2025. She was preceded in death by her husband, Al Joe Harper, Jr.; her sisters, Janet Ava and Delores King. She leaves to cherish her memories, her daughter: Erica Bowman; stepchildren, Andre “AJ” Harper and Tony Harper, Melissa Johnson and Wanda Osborne. siblings Dana King, Shirley King, Marie King and Gary King; 11 grandchildren and a host of nieces and nephews.