Karen Burroughs Jones

Karen Burroughs Jones, 71, of Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, entered into eternal rest following a challenging battle with cancer on Friday, February 23, 2024. A celebration of her life will be held Monday, March 25 in the Cistern Yard on the College of Charleston campus at 1:00PM. In the event of inclement weather, the service will be held at the Stern Center Ballroom. The family will receive friends immediately following the service. Guests are encouraged to park in the St. Philip Street Garage on the corner of George and St. Philip Streets. Arrangements by J. Henry Stuhr, Inc.

Karen was born May 28, 1952 in Loris, South Carolina, daughter of Elsie “Pete” Burroughs and the late Elroy Dale Burroughs. For 31 years and serving under six Presidents, Karen was a faithful and dedicated member of the College of Charleston Alumni Association team retiring in 2022 as the Director of Alumni Communications and Executive Secretary of the Alumni Association.

She attended Loris High School and went on to graduate from the College of Charleston in 1974 with a BA in Psychology. She was a member and elected President of Chi Omega Fraternity and continued to follow the principles of the Chi Omega Symphony throughout her life living constantly above snobbery of word or deed, placing scholarship above social obligations and character before appearances. Her love of the sisterhood continued to be a strong force throughout her adult life as she actively participated in the Charleston Chi Omega Alumnae Association and served as House Corporation Chairman for many years constantly recruiting area alumnae into the organization.  

Her passion for the College of Charleston was contagious. The consummate networker and ambassador, she assisted in fostering friendships that continued even beyond business.  It would not be unusual to find Karen six out of seven nights a week at activities surrounding the College be it CofC basketball games, student performances/exhibitions at the School of the Arts, Foundation meetings or events hosted by or that involved CofC alumni and students. She prided herself on building a culture of engagement amongst the undergraduates, most specifically through her advising of the Student Alumni Associates, teaching them the importance of keeping their alma mater an active part of their life post college. She encouraged students and alumni alike to live by her motto  “get involved, stay involved and give back” for the benefits one receives through that service and connection add a richness to one’s life that cannot be found elsewhere. 

In addition to being a devoted mother and grandmother, she spent time with her friends affectionately known as the “Porch Ladies” and was also an active member at Mount Pleasant Presbyterian Church singing as a soprano with the Adult Choir for many years. 

Karen is survived by her daughter, Ashley Jones Smith (Michael) of Rochester, NY; son, Clayton Harper Jones (Laura) of Mt. Pleasant, SC; two grandchildren: Baylor Ellison Smith and Graham Burroughs Jones; mother, Elsie “Pete” Burroughs of Loris, SC and sister, Carolyn Burroughs Muller (Barry) of N. Myrtle Beach, SC. 

A sincere and special thanks to the care team at Bishop Gadsden Christie Rehabilitation Center for the exemplary care and support provided to Karen, her family and friends during this time as well as the numerous friends and colleagues who supported her throughout her illness most specifically Sarah Cash, Sibby Harvey, Barney Holt and Steve Osborne. 

Memorial contributions can be made to the College of Charleston Foundation, 66 George Street, Charleston SC 29424, designated towards the Karen Burroughs Jones '74 Alumni Scholarship (E686). Contributions to the scholarship can also be made online by going to https://give.cofc.edu/karen-jones.