Karen Jaynes Tiger, 82, of Dacula, Ga., 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, N.Y., the daughter of Doris Applegate Jaynes and George A. Jaynes, formerly of Larchmont, N.Y. and Edgecomb.
Karen was a graduate of Lasell Junior College in Auburndale, Mass. 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, N.J. and Marietta, Ga. 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, N.J.
Karen enjoyed spending summers with her family on the coast of Maine and also treasured visits to Bald Head Island, N.C. and Hilton Head Island, S.C. 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, Ga. and Boothbay.
She is survived by her beloved husband, Richard; her daughter, Kimberly Pierson, and son-in-law, Kevin Pierson, of Monmouth Beach, N.J.; and her son, Christopher Tiger, and daughter-in-law, Courtney Tiger, of Winder, Ga. She is also survived by her sister, Jan A. Jaynes, and her husband, Joseph Knoblock, of Alexandria, Va. 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, 2026 with arrangements entrusted to Flanigan Funeral Home, at 4400 South Lee St. in Buford, Ga., with Dr. Bill Coates officiating. The family will receive friends on Friday, July 10, 2026 from 10-11 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 flaniganfuneralhome.com. Arrangements by Junior E. Flanigan of Flanigan Funeral Home and Crematory in Buford, Ga. For more information, call 770-932-1133.
