Karen Melinda Aaron Bilbo was called home to heaven April 21, 2022, while in hospice care. She is survived by her husband, Hal Bilbo, two daughters, Ginya Sasson of Grand Rapids, MI, and Sarah Davis of Camden, SC, three granddaughters and three sisters. She was preceded in death by her parents and two siblings.

Mrs. Bilbo grew up in Marietta, Georgia as one of six children. She came to faith at the age of 5 and responded to God's call at 9 years of age to be a missionary. Her Christian faith guided and sustained her throughout life. Her life verse served as her compass, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths" (Proverbs 3:5, 6). As pianist, vocalist, recording artist and teacher, she loved and shared music. She looked forward to her retirement at the beach, which was cut short by her 7-year battle with NASH.

Mrs. Bilbo is a graduate of Wheeler High School, Truett-McConnel College, Mercer University, and Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, where she earned a Masters in Christian Counseling. She taught at Snellville Elementary, Harrells Christian Academy, and Riverwood Elementary. She and Dr. Bilbo served churches in Georgia and North Carolina for more than 40 years and were Southern Baptist missionaries in Brazil for seven years.

As a Licensed Professional Counselor, Mrs. Bilbo founded The Bridge of the Carolinas, a private counseling center in Albemarle, NC. For 12 years, she and her team of counselors assisted individuals, couples, and families with mental, social and spiritual life issues before retiring. The Bilbos moved from Stanly County to Ocean Isle Beach at the beginning of this year.

Quinn McGowen Funeral Home is serving the Bilbos. Visitation will be at noon on Saturday, April 23, 2022, at Mt. Holly Baptist Church in Burgaw, followed by the Celebration of Life at 1:00 PM. Interment will be at the Mount Holly Cemetery. Rev. Tab Whitley will officiate, assisted by Rev. Merrell McKoy and Rev. Alton Wilson.

A second Celebration of Life service will be held Tuesday, April 26, 2022 at 11:00 AM at West Albemarle Baptist Church in Albemarle. Rev. Adam Hatley will officiate, assisted by Dr. Tommy Ross, Jr.

In lieu of flowers, charitable contributions in memory of Karen may be made to Mt. Holly Baptist Church in Burgaw at 5551 US-117, Burgaw, NC 28425 or to Lower Cape Fear LifeCare at lifecare.org .

Shared memories and condolences may be sent to the family by selecting Tribute Wall above.

Quinn McGowen Funeral Home – Wilmington

910-794-7171