Karen Renee Willet's Obituary
Karen Renee Willet, age 57, passed away in San Diego, CA on Monday, March 25, 2024 following a very sudden illness. She was born in Muskegon, MI to Merle and Cheri (White) Willet on March 13, 1967. Karen lived in Mancelona and Marshall, MI but always considered Muskegon as her hometown. Karen began her college years at Muskegon Community College. At the age of 25, she suffered a stroke that interrupted her college, internship and work. With Karen’s determination and strength of mind, she completed her Bachelor’s Degree at Grand Valley College. She worked for the State of Michigan Department of Health and Human Services for 20 years. First with Child Protective Services and then Medicaid families. During this time, she earned a Master’s Degree from Michigan State University. Karen and her sister Diane served with their Port City Church Missionary Group in Tijuana, Mexico. This began Karen’s love of that area and the people they were able to help. Karen continued those trips for several years, then felt a call from the Lord to fulltime missionary work. By July 2017, she had sold her home, left her job, donated many possessions and moved to Tijuana. She and her missionary partner, Lucas Campos, started their mission and formed El-Evangelio- The Gospel. When Karen started going to Tijuana, she met a group of boys aged 12 to 16. She and Lucas mentored these boys and continue to this day. All of them finished school. They have jobs to help support their families. One is attending Auto Mechanic School. Another worked in a factory to pay for Barber School and now cuts hair to pay for Dentistry School. All of the boys attribute their success and accomplishments to Karen and Lucas. For seven years, Karen and Lucas served at orphanages, elderly homes and a home for teen moms. They provided help in their neighborhood with a food pantry, clothing and school supplies. Special events were held throughout the year. She and Lucas partnered with James and Angie Healy through their ministry, Ser La Luz – To Be the Light. Karen is survived by her Mission Partner, Lucas Campos and his family; her grandmother, Marion White; her mother, Cheri White; her brothers, Matt (Christine Mattson) Willet, Brent (Nicole) Slayton; her sister, Julie (Terrell) Thompson; nephews, Tim (Krystal Mentser) Nilson; Joshua (Sarah) Thompson, and Ryan Willet; her nieces, Victoria (Brandon VanTorre) Thompson, Callie Slayton, Myla Slayton, and Sofia Willet; and her great nieces, Elliana Nickles, Renee Nilson; her uncles, Chuck (Sue) White, Bill (Pat) Slayton; and her aunts, Bev Smith, Mary (Jim) Whiting, Carol Tucker, and Deb (Bob) Beltz. She was preceded in death by her sister, Diane Nilson and her fathers, Merle Willet and Duane Slayton; her uncles, Larry White, Gene Tucker and Irvin “Pink” Smith. A Funeral Service will be held 11:00 AM Monday, April 15, 2024 at Port City Church (3387 Heights Ravenna Road, Muskegon, MI 49444) with Lead Pastor Steve Derdowski officiating and former Pastors Joseph Vest and Glen Maiden assisting. Visitation will be held 5-8 PM Sunday at The Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 6291 Harvey St, Norton Shores, MI 49444. Visitation will also be held one hour prior to the service on Monday at the church. Memorial Contributions may be directed to Karen and Lucas’ mission, El-Evangelio in care of Ser La Luz, PO Box 1577, Running Springs, CA 92382. Sign the online guestbook at http://www.sytsemafh.com
What’s your fondest memory of Karen?
What’s a lesson you learned from Karen?
Share a story where Karen's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Karen you’ll never forget.
How did Karen make you smile?
