Karen Tidwell Rachels Medley

Karen Tidwell Rachels Medley, age 71, of DeFuniak Springs, Florida passed away on Sunday, July 13, 2025. She was born on September 7, 1953, in DeFuniak Springs Florida to Buford and Hazel Rachels.

She graduated in 1971 from Walton High School and later attended Okaloosa-Walton Junior College, followed by the University of West Florida, obtaining a Bachelor of Science degree. Using her bachelor’s degree, she interned in the Laboratory Science Program at Baptist Hospital in Pensacola before beginning a career as a medical technologist.

Over her lifetime she filled many positions-daughter, sister, wife, mother, aunt, friend, and co-worker. She was a member of the “Big Mama and Bertha” weed crew and worked at Rhodes Jewelers and First National Bank in DeFuniak Springs, Florida. She was also employed by the Dale Medical Center of Ozark, and ended her career at Southeast Alabama Medical Center in Dothan, Alabama, where she worked for 33 years with her final role being the head of Hematology.

She had the heart of an artist and loved the bright colors of nature. She was a gift-giver and believed strongly in family connections. She loved her family and friends unconditionally and spent her life showing them she cared. She left for heaven surrounded by those she loved and who loved her.

She is preceded in death by her infant son, and her parents, Buford and Hazel Rachels of DeFuniak Springs, FL. She is survived by her daughter, Holli Medley of New Orleans, Louisiana; sisters Nancy Currie, and Beth Tucker, husband Martin, of DeFuniak Springs, FL; nieces Rachel Norman, husband Matthew of DeFuniak Springs, FL; Jesse Walden, husband Corey Of Ormond Beach, FL; nephew Reid Tucker, wife Klariz of Columbia, S.C.; along with a great niece Ella Kate Norman, and great nephews- Judah, Fletcher, Owen, and Hobson Norman of DeFuniak Springs, FL, Rex and Lee Tucker of Columbia S.C., and Carter and Cody Walden of Ormond Beach, FL.

Flowers are acceptable, but in lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Glendale Presbyterian Church, Attn: Scholarship Fund. 9218 St. Hwy. 83 N, DeFuniak Springs, FL 32433.

A time of visitation will be held at Glendale Presbyterian Church on Saturday, July 19, 2025, beginning at 10:00 with service at 11:00, officiated by Pastor Bill Richoux. Burial will follow in the Glendale Presbyterian Church Cemetery.