Karen Elizabeth Kraemer Sherman

Mrs. Karen Elizabeth Kraemer Sherman, 80, passed away Sunday, August 23, 2026.

Karen will be remembered for her class, elegance, creativity, and exceptional eye for beauty. Whether arranging flowers, setting a table, tending a garden, or welcoming guests into her home, she brought warmth and intention to every detail. Her friendships were treasured, and her generosity touched countless lives.

Karen was born at Walter Reed Hospital in Washington, DC, daughter of the late Colonel William Ferdinand Kraemer and Kathryn Stephens Crosby Kraemer. Karen was reared in Springfield, Virginia and attended St. Agnes Episcopal School graduating in 1963. Karen then attended Queens College, Charlotte, North Carolina where she earned a BA in English Literature and Art History. During her college years, Karen spent summers attending the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill where, in addition to classes, where she was able to interact with male students and, as she loved to joke, learned to appreciate scotch, something she claimed made her Daddy proud.

After graduation, Karen returned to the DC area and began a career in retail. She worked as a fashion coordinator, buyer and manager and traveled to Paris and New York often. She worked for prestigious shops such as Woodward and Lothrop, Saks, Garfinkel and Yves Saint Laurent.

In 1976, Karen opened Karen’s Table Things in Olde Town Alexandria. Her shop, dedicated to e was featured in many prominent Washington area magazines and in House Beautiful. In addition to running the store, she was a guest lecturer on merchandising at Mount Vernon College and Georgetown University. She closed the shop in 1982 and shifted her sales experience to real estate and later rekindled her tablescape business in Aiken, South Carolina. Everyone who ever attended an event at Karen’s home or anywhere she provided her services was always presented with a beautifully designed table including plants, flowers and whimsy. The only paper napkins allowed in Karen’s home were to accompany food eaten with one’s hands. She earned her nickname later in life of Princess Doily.

Stepping into real estate in 1983 in the Washington, DC and Virginia markets, Karen was a natural. She spent most of her career at McEnearney Associates where she made many life-long friends. From the first year, Karen was a high producer and earned a spot in the Million Dollar and then Multi-Million-Dollar Club every year. She was also often in the Top Producer Club at McEnearney as well as the Northern Virginia Association of Realtors.

In 1987, Karen met Joseph Sherman through mutual friends in Olde Town Alexandria. The first time Karen visited Joe’s home in Alexandria she realized it was right around the corner from her parent’s home, and it seemed to be fate. Karen and Joe were married on November 4, 1993, exactly one month following the birth of their first grandchild, Coleen. As they often joked, Joe needed to make an honest grandmother of Karen. Nana Karen adored her grandchildren and showered them with abundant love, attention and gifts.

After years in the Northern Virginia and Washington area, Joe and Karen decided on a slower pace and moved to and built their dream home in Aiken, South Carolina. The Woodside community welcomed them with open arms and Karen went to work getting involved. She was a member of many organizations including the Women of Woodside and the Garden Club. She was also an active patron of the arts in Aiken and Augusta, Georgia including the Aiken Symphony and Community Theater and the Augusta Theater.

Karen was an avid gardener and entertainer. She would perfect the decorations and flowers while Joe perfected the food. They were amazing hosts. All who attended their parties left full and happy and with many stories to share. Their warmth, generosity and love are missed by all who knew them.

Karen is survived by her step-daughter, Terri Sherman (James) Crawford, Charlotte, NC; step-son, Greg Sherman (Linda Praeger), Stewart, FL; grandchildren Coleen (Chris) Cronbaugh, Washington, DC and Connor O’Leary, Asheville, NC; and great grandchild Eden Cronbaugh. She is also survived by her sister-in-law, Ina (Allen) Wakstein, Smallwood, NY.

In addition to her parents, Karen was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph Sherman.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date to be shared with family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Equine Rescue of Aiken, Friends of the Animal Shelter Aiken or the South Carolina Bluebird Society.

Her grace, humor, creativity, and love for family and friends leave a lasting legacy that will continue to be cherished by all who knew her.

SHELLHOUSE FUNERAL HOME, INC., 924 HAYNE AVE., AIKEN, SC