Karen Jaynes Tiger, 82, of Dacula, Georgia passed away peacefully on the morning of March 18, 2026, at home with her loving husband of 60 years, Richard Tiger, by her side.

She was born on June 3, 1943, in Flushing, New York, the daughter of Doris Applegate Jaynes and George A. Jaynes, formerly of Larchmont, New York and Edgecomb, Maine.

Karen was a graduate of Lasell Junior College in Auburndale, Massachusetts and Marietta College in Marietta, Ohio, where she earned a degree in sociology. She and Richard began their life together in New York City, where Karen worked for Pan Am Airlines, giving them the opportunity to travel together before starting their family. She put her education to meaningful use, serving a combined 15 years as a social worker in Flemington, New Jersey and Marietta, Georgia. As a dedicated social worker in Youth and Family Services, she spent her career advocating for and nurturing the children in her care, whose lives were brighter because of her kindness and compassion. Despite a demanding career in both social services and real estate, she remained a constant at home and in the stands, never missing one of her children’s many athletic events.

Karen was deeply committed to her community, volunteering with the Morristown Junior League, serving on the Bethlehem Township Municipal Planning Board and later found great fulfillment in her role as Deacon at Lower Valley Presbyterian Church in Califon, New Jersey. Karen enjoyed spending summers with her family on the coast of Maine and also treasured visits to Bald Head Island, North Carolina and Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. Nothing made her happier than spending time boating on the Damariscotta River with her husband. She and Richard lived up and down the East Coast, most recently in Dacula, Georgia, and Boothbay, Maine.

She is survived by her beloved husband, Richard; her daughter, Kimberly Pierson and son-in-law, Kevin Pierson, of Monmouth Beach, New Jersey; her son, Christopher Tiger and daughter-in-law, Courtney Tiger, of Winder, Georgia. She is also survived by her sister, Jan A. Jaynes and her husband, Joseph Knoblock of Alexandria, Virginia. Karen cherished her relationships with her six adored grandchildren, Tyler and Katie Pierson, and Pierson, Laurel, Merritt and Christopher Tiger.

The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to caregiver Marie, nurses Sarah and Leah and friends and family members for their care and support.

A celebration of Karen’s life will be held at 11 a.m., on Friday, July 10 with arrangements entrusted to Flanigan Funeral Home, 4400 South Lee Street, Buford, Georgia, with Dr. Bill Coates officiating. The family will receive friends on Friday, July 10 from 10 a.m. until 11 a.m. at the Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association in her memory. Karen will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who loved her.

To express condolences, please sign our online guest book at www.flaniganfuneralhome.com. Arrangements By: Junior E. Flanigan of Flanigan Funeral Home and Crematory, Buford, GA (770) 932-1133.