Karie Durham

Karie Durham, 51, of College Station, was escorted by Jesus into His kingdom on Sunday, December 17, 2023, at St. Joseph’s Hospital in College Station, Texas. Karie’s life is a testimony of her deep faith in Christ, her devotion to her family and friends, and her selfless service to her church and homeschooling community. She is preceded in death by her beloved mother, Malinda Lou Sills Escobar. 

Born in Houston, Texas, to Lou and Rick Escobar on May 7, 1972, Karie was raised in Richmond, Texas, and graduated from B.F. Terry High School in 1990. An avid soccer and tennis player, Karie enjoyed varsity sports in high school and played on intramural leagues in college at Texas A&M University. During her summers, she worked at Kanakuk-Kanakomo Kamps, discipling at-risk children through their program of sports ministry and mentorship. She studied primary and special education at A&M and was a founding member and leader in Aggie Sisters for Christ (ASC). She graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in education in 1994.

She taught in the Texas public school system for ten years and implemented a highly effective program in remedial reading education for grammar school students in Bryan ISD. She met her husband, Matthew Durham, at Central Church in College Station, where they both attended and served. They were married on December 29, 2001, and made their home in College Station, where they have resided for the last twenty-two years.

Two of her greatest joys were her children whom she homeschooled with excellence, faithfulness, and good humor. She taught and served on the board of her homeschool co-op, Preparing and Equipping with a Purpose, and designed fun, engaging, and academically challenging curriculum for hundreds of children through the lens of a biblical worldview.

Karie possessed the rare gift of true hospitality, welcoming and hosting church families, life group members, Bible study groups, and Aggie students in her home. In partnership with Matthew, she mentored couples in financial literacy and home management, equipping them to lead their families with skill and confidence. With grace, she shouldered the needs and tasks of daily life so that Matthew could disciple dozens of men and lead in the Regeneration discipleship program at Central Church.

Karie was loyal, generous, and compassionate. She was kind, tender-hearted, and selfless. She gave her very best—no matter the endeavor—and worked heartily and conscientiously. Her sense of humor was almost always the best in the room although you had to know her well to experience it to its fullness. And she chose to introduce herself, welcome others into fellowship, and initiate connections even though she was naturally an introvert.

She coached soccer with patience, skill, and enthusiasm. She transformed her backyard into a flourishing garden that fed her own family and others. She cultivated curiosity, wonder, and the pleasure of a good caper in her own children as well as the nieces and nephews who called her “Aunt Awesome.”

She is survived by her devoted husband of twenty-two years, Matthew Aaron Durham, and her children, son Aaron Durham and daughter Emma Durham; her father and stepmother, Rick and Becky Escobar of Riesel; sisters Kim (Chris) Kemper of Frisco and Kirsten (Shane) Escobar-Jensen of Waco; and many cherished nieces, nephews, and cousins.  

Visitation begins at 10 a.m. on Saturday, December 23, with the service following at 11 a.m. at Central Church at 1991 FM 158, College Station, Texas. Graveside services will be held at Bethany Cemetery in Colmesneil, Texas, at 3:30 p.m.

Click here to view the live stream of Karie's Celebration of Life Service.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Central Church—NEXT Building Campaign.