Karen E. Eberhardt

On July 1, 2024, Karen Etta Eberhardt passed away in Columbia, South Carolina from a prolonged illness and was surrounded by her immediate family as she died. She resided in Columbia, South Carolina for the last 36 years. She is survived by her husband George W Eberhardt III of 57 years, sisters Jeanie (Dietrich) Sosna, Diane (Held) Heffelfinger and devoted sons Keith (Laurel) Eberhardt, Darrell Eberhardt, Glenn Eberhardt, and Corey (Robin) Eberhardt. After raising four rowdy boys, she was blessed with three angel granddaughters, Taylor, Mallorie and Abigaile Eberhardt. She is also survived by nieces Linda (Muhlberger) Trumbauer, Beth (Sosna) Niemiec and nephews Bruce Muhlberger and Brian Sosna. She was preceded in passing by father Courtney J Held, birth mother Lucille Andrews, stepmother Elva E Held, sister, Betty Muhlberger and brother-in-law Larry Muhlberger, brother Courtney (Butch) R Held, stepbrothers Harold (Junior) E Dietrich Jr., nephew Chris Dietrich, and sister-in-law Roseann Eberhardt. Her journey began in Allentown, Pennsylvania in 1946 and was born to Courtney Held and Lucille Andrews. She attended William Allen High School, with a focus on Business Education and graduated in 1964. She loved going to football games while attending school. After graduation she worked at the Morning Call Newspaper, in Allentown, PA, Twin County Cable Company, Bath, PA and Prisma Richland Hospital, Columbia, SC. She held many jobs, but her priority was being a devoted mother and loving wife. She always looked out for her children as they grew and developed into young men. She had a passion for cooking to feed the four growing boys (lasagna and potato filling were favorites). However, any occasion and holidays where the entire family could be together were most important and favorite times. She has many photo albums to document and relive every occasion. When George moved to South Carolina ahead of her, she supported all sporting events from the stands for her boys. She was dedicated to supporting her husband through relocating to South Carolina, caring for him through medical challenges and support and encouragement to her second son Darrell after a debilitating accident. She seemed to always be there to support and provide for others before herself, both with family members and friends. Honoring her wishes, she will be cremated, and ashes will be spread in Pennsylvania. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date to allow for extended family and friends time to plan for travel to attend or participate through a live stream that will be forwarded once details are confirmed.