Karen Sock

Gulf Coast businesswoman Karen Sock transitioned April 15, 2026. A Celebration of Life honoring the trailblazer will be held on Sunday, May 31, 2026, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Biloxi Visitors Center, 1050 Beach Blvd. (located across from the iconic Biloxi Lighthouse). Family and friends are warmly invited to attend and share personal stories, reflections, and cherished memories of Mrs. Sock. Attire: Coast Casual Bright Colors. Please note: No black attire.

This gathering will be a time of music, food, fellowship, and joyful remembrance as we celebrate her life and legacy. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Karen’s honor to the Susan G. Komen Foundation. 

A true pillar of her community, Karen was a mentor to many, a dear friend to the United Way of South Mississippi family, and someone whose compassion touched countless lives.

She also served the Mississippi Gulf Coast Chamber of Commerce with distinction. Over the years, she supported the Chamber in many meaningful ways, including being recognized as the 2006 Community Leader, serving as Coast Chamber President in 2012, and receiving the 2013 Coast Young Professionals Forever Young Award. Most recently, she was honored as the 2026 Pat Santucci Spirit of the Coast Award recipient, a testament to the lasting difference she made in the lives of so many.

Karen was truly a light on the Gulf Coast. Her kindness, leadership, and passion for her community touched countless people, and her legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.

“Karen was more than a business leader. She was a visionary who made a lasting impact in her community and beyond. Her dedication, leadership, and commitment to excellence reflected the heart of what it means to build, serve and uplift others through business,” stated business ally Kathy Amos.

“As a former member of the Business Empowered International Chamber of Commerce, Karen was a valued part of our chamber family. Her presence, contributions, and passion for empowering others will never be forgotten. We honor her legacy, her work, and the lives she touched along the way. She will truly be missed.”

Karen devoted her life to creating opportunities for others and strengthening her community by founding organizations such as Pathways 2 Possibilities and directly partnering with United Way of South Mississippi for the annual CEO Talent Show. 

Her contagious smile, gentle heart, and unwavering generosity leave behind a legacy of inspiration that will endure for generations to come. She was a remarkable woman who made a lasting impact on her community and on Lighthouse Business and Professional Women.

In 2017, Karen became Chair of Lighthouse Business and Professional Women, ushering in a new era of leadership and vision. She recognized the power of uniting, empowering and nurturing women, and the importance of connection and collaboration. Karen believed all women should know their worth and boldly take their seats at the table – no matter where they found themselves in their careers or in their personal lives. Through her visionary leadership, she helped change the trajectory of the organization.

Over the years, Karen remained a steadfast advocate and supporter of Lighthouse. She not only showed up for them, but also for the Gulf Coast community. Even after her tenure on the Board concluded, she continued her service as a valued member of its Advisory Board. Karen brought wisdom, strength, and an unwavering passion for supporting others. She was a true trailblazer who paved the way for women across the Gulf Coast and inspired those around her through both her leadership and her generosity.

Karen’s influence is reflected in one of Lighthouse’s most meaningful traditions. The Woman of Achievement Awards were created to recognize and celebrate outstanding women throughout the community – women who embody leadership, impact, and dedication both professionally and personally. Its most prestigious honor, the Woman of the Year Award, reflects the same standard of excellence, character, and influence that Karen exemplified. It stands as a lasting tribute to the legacy she helped shape and champion throughout her life.

She is survived by husband Fred and daughter Kristan.