Karen Shumaker Cain

Mrs. Karen Shumaker Cain, 89, of Winston-Salem, passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 16, 2026, at Kate B. Reynolds Hospice Home. Born in Forsyth County on October 30, 1936, to the late Ernest Shumaker and Essie Stanley Shumaker, Karen lived a life marked by faith, service, compassion, and a deep love for family and community. She pursued a career in health care, earning her nursing certificate from City Hospital in Winston-Salem before continuing her education at the University of South Carolina, where she received both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in the field. Throughout her career, she served in home health care, at Forsyth Medical Center and Wake Forest Baptist Hospital, and later as a corporate nurse with AT&T/Lucent Technologies. A faithful member of both Ardmore Baptist Church and Faith Missionary Alliance, Karen dedicated countless hours to volunteering, serving others, and supporting the ministries of both. Karen was an avid gardener who, alongside her husband, grew vegetables and flowers that she loved sharing with others. She never met a stranger and formed friendships wherever she went. Karen faithfully sent hundreds of greeting cards letting others know they were remembered and loved. Above all, Karen treasured her family. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend whose steady love, generous spirit, and unwavering support shaped the lives of those around her. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Richard Floyd Cain; and her brothers, Leon Shumaker and Johnny Shumaker. She is survived by her sons, Mark Cain (Rene) and Jonathan Cain (Susan); daughter, Teresa Cain; grandchildren, Benjamin Cain (Kayla), Hannah Cain, Gray McGill, Laura Cain, and Mary Cain; great-grandchildren, Remi Rice and Judah Cain, with another great-grandchild expected in January; sister, Judy Workman; and sisters-in-law, Fran Shumaker and Elaine Latham. Karen’s legacy lives on through the family she cherished, the countless lives she touched through her nursing and volunteer service, and the kindness, faith, and generosity she shared so freely with others. A celebration of life service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, at Ardmore Baptist Church with Dr. Tyler Tankersley and Rev. Lee Ritchie officiating. The family will receive friends following the service in the church fellowship hall. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Ardmore Baptist Church, 501 Miller St., Winston-Salem, NC 27103. Hayworth-Miller Silas Creek Chapel is serving the Cain family.