Kenneth Poe Funeral Services

November 4, 2023

On Saturday November 4, 2023, Demetra V. Karres, the beloved wife of Theodore A. Karres with whom she celebrated sixty-four years of marriage fell asleep in our Resurrected Lord, Jesus Christ.

Demetra was born February 24, 1936, to George and Maria Vazenios in Sparta, Greece. On June 28, 1959, in Charlotte, North Carolina, she married Theodore A. Karres of Karyae, Greece. They had three children, Pamela Karres Dizes, Andrew Karres, and George Karres.

Demetra is survived by her loving husband Theodore A. Karres; two sons, Andrew Karres, George Karres and his wife Vasiliki Karres, grandchildren Demetra, Theodore, and Andrew; her son-in-law George L. Dizes, grandchildren Louis and Mimi, her sister Pat Dizes of Toronto Canada, sisters-in-law Alkmini Vazenios of Greece, Tina Karres of Florida, Kalliope Sarris and her husband Dimitri of Chicago, her brother-in-law, Nikos A. Karres of Greece, and many nieces and nephews and other family members. Demetra was predeceased by her daughter, Pamela Karres Dizes and her sisters Fofo Larikos, Helen Mihalakkakos, Christine Diamaduros, brothers Vasileios and Nikos Vazenios, and her brother-in-law Gus Karres.

She was a loving wife and mother who dedicated her time to her family. She and her husband owned and operated Mr. K’s Soft Ice Cream and Hamburgers on South Boulevard, which became an iconic cornerstone in Charlotte and where the patrons affectionally called her, “Mrs. K” and “Mama K,” because of her infectious smile and friendly conversations that made each person feel like a cherished friend.

Demetra was a member of and worshiped at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral. In her twenties, she sang in the choir. She was a member of the Ladies of Philoptochos Society and helped with the Greek Festivals.

Our family thanks God for Demetra’s life and her love as a wife and mother and for His servant, Reverend Dr. Father Jonathan Resmini for his love and guidance. We thank the doctors, nurses, and staff at Sardis Oak Nursing Facility whose compassionate care provided comfort and solace for our mother and our family. We also thank the many people who prayed for our mother and our family and for their expressions of love through words and actions. Eternal be her memory.

The Trisagion and Funeral service will be at 12:00 p.m. on Wednesday November 8, 2023, at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral located at 600 East Boulevard, Charlotte, North Carolina. The family will receive friends starting an hour prior to the service at the church. Interment will follow at Evergreen Cemetery.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers that memorials be sent to Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral Building Fund, 600 East Boulevard, Charlotte, NC 28203.

Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth Poe Funeral & Cremation Service, 1321 Berkeley Avenue, Charlotte, North Carolina 28204; 704-641-7606. Online condolences may be shared at www.kennethpoeservices.com.