Ty Harper
Karen Wende is how I remember one of the nicest people ever to live. She grew up right down the street from me, on Wallace Tatum Road in northwestern Forsyth County, Georgia. We rode bus number 82-4, and used to have to turn around in Karen’s driveway after we picked her up. Ha! Once the bus even got stuck turning around there, since we lived on a dirt road. I remember her being so caring and simply a great person. We were friends on the bus back then, we couldn’t have been more than 8 or 9 I think. Once, she asked me if I could come down and play. I tried to impress her by dressing up in my favorite green camo outfit, I guess trying to be Rambo or GI Joe or something, and I remember it kinda backfired because she gave me a look like I had 3 heads when I got down there. I also seem to remember her house during the cold months always had a wood fire burning. Karen was a dear friend to many people who grew up in Forsyth back then, one of those folks everyone loved. I never had an opportunity to meet her family, but knowing Karen, I know her family is just as wonderful. You will be missed, and you were a dear friend to me 30 years ago. Rest in Peace Karen.