Karen Lyle James

Karen Ann James was born to Pearl R. Lyle and Maurice H Spencer on February 23, 1948, in Wilmington, DE. She peacefully departed this life to gain her heavenly wings surrounded by family on April 27, 2025, after a brief illness in Christiana Care Accent Care.

She received her early education from the Wilmington Public school system and graduated from P.S. DuPont High School. She worked in various roles as an administrator specialist at IBM, State of Delaware’s Division of Health and Social Services, Spencer’s House Cleaning Service, Superior Resources Inc, Walmart and University of Penn Hospital Gift Shop in Philadelphia.

Karen was a dedicated member of Alpha Worship Center for 40+ years. She served in multiple ministries within the church, greeter, culinary and audio ministries and senior choir.

Karen enjoyed helping others, traveling, crocheting, shopping and spending time with her family, she was the oldest of ten children, which she truly loved and enjoyed.

A true fashionista, Karen’s hair and nails were always immaculate, and her wardrobe reflected her vibrant personality.

Karen met and married the love of her life, Wilbert James Jr. From this union Alisa R James and Sharon-Beth James were born.

Karen leaves to cherish her memory: daughters, Alisa R. James and Sharon-Beth James. Grandchildren: J’na Sanchez (Lalo), Natasha James, Jazmen James, Mya Zavala (Lelo) and Jai James. Great grandchildren: Aundrea James-Robinson, Malik James-Stevens, Maleah James-Skinner, Leilani Sanchez, Kayla James, Mishon James- Skinner, Peyton James, Makel James-Skinner, Makai James-Skinner, Laila Sanchez and Lalo Sanchez Jr. Siblings: Twin sister Brenda Jenkins (Robert), Maxine M Lyle, Emory Chandler Jr (Decarlo), Debbie George (Roy), Lamotte Chandler (Elaine), Mel Chandler, Shirlee Chandler-Bass (Tilma), Amber D DeShields (Craig) and Deana L Spencer.

Karen was preceded in death by both of her parents Pearl R Chandler and Maurice H Spencer, husband Wilbert James Jr. and brother Emory Chandler Jr. Karen is also survived by a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, family and friends and her special fur baby, Butter Jenkins.