Karyn Elizabeth Anne Hillian, 39, of Winston-Salem,NC went to be with her Lord and Savior on Wednesday, May 29, 2013.

Karyn was an awesome daughter, sister, cousin and friend to many. Her quiet humor and beautiful smile were recognized by all who met, knew and loved her. She was the daughter of James L. and Vera Covater Hillian, born on January 30, 1974 in Atlanta, GA where she spent her early years.

Karyn was educated in the Atlanta Public Schools and was a graduate of Frederick Douglass Magnet High School of Engineering and Technology. At the age of 13, she was confirmed at and became a member of Ben Hill United Methodist Church in Atlanta.

The family moved back to Winston-Salem and joined St. Paul United Methodist Church and became active and devoted members. Karyn's special interest in the church fellowship included membership in the Handbell Choir, The United Methodist Women and The Family Ministry Organization.

Karyn earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Management Information Systems from Winston-Salem State University and an Associate Degree in Architectural Design from Forsyth Technical Community College.

She was a member of the WSSU Brown Alumni Chapter, WSSU National Alumni Organization and an active member of Phi Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc.

Karyn’s professional career included employment as IT Service Manager at Josten's Publishing, and positions with Quest-Con (a division of AT and T and Bellamy Research Developers) and R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company.

She was preceded in death by her precious and loving brother, Michael Dale Penn in February,1993. Those left to cherish precious memories of Karyn include her parents, James and Vera Hillian of the home; her godson and the joy of her life, Cameron Josh Craig; brothers, Kenneth R. Penn, San Francisco, CA, Roderick Hillian (Michelle), Phoenix City ,AL, Michael Rockhead (Nicole), Snellville,Ga; sisters, Elaine Hillian and Michelle Hillian, Yonkers, NY and Frankie Denise Penn Powell, Lumberton, NC. In addition, she is survived by her uncles and aunts and their families, Calvin Hillian, Sr. (Nancy), Clifton E. Hillian (Constance), Donald Johnson, Robert Cooper ( Elizabeth), James W. Cooper, Evangelist Annie Campbell, Viola Werts and Derondia Cooper-Hines; very special lifelong friends of Atlanta, Stephanie Grier Simon, Sonia Chester Kimbrough, Rameka Hill Levert, Cassandra Daniels Bride; friends, Denise Royal, Samantha Greene and Serena Mumford, Winston-Salem; especially devoted cousins, Christy Werts, Renee Pugh, Shawn Campbell, Tammy Hillian, Jocelyn Crutchfield and Antoinette Hillian (deceased); many other loving nieces, nephews and cousins, She will also be missed by a special friend, DeAndrea Carter, Atlanta, GA and neighbors of The Wildwood Community; her pastor, Reverend Donald Jenkins and the St. Paul United Methodist Church Family.
A Celebration of Life for Karyn will be held at 12:00 noon, Monday, June 3, 2013 at St Paul United Methodist Church, 2400 Dellabrook Road with Pastor Donald Jenkins officiating. Interment will follow in Watkins Family Cemetery in Walkertown, North Carolina. Alpha Kappa Alpha, Ivy Beyond the Wall Ceremony will be held at 10:30 a.m. and the family visitation period will follow at 11:00 a.m. at the church.

The family extends special thanks to doctors and the transplant staff of Carolinas Medical Center, Charlotte, North Carolina and Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center. A very special thank you to Dr. Stephanie Powers.

Additionally, the family encourages and reminds you to please donate life and become an organ donor.