story and photo by Darl DeVault, Contributing Editor
In early November, former Ms. Oklahoma Senior America Karen B. Tims spoke about her health experiences at the Oklahoma City campus of one of the dozen Baptist Village Communities in Oklahoma. During the well-attended monthly luncheon, she related her cautionary tale about cancer and heart attacks.
She also provided valuable insights on early detection, coping strategies, and the importance of community support in health recovery at the northwest Oklahoma City campus.
Resident Wanda Halbert, 78, spoke with Tims while they ate before her presentation. During her long career, Halbert played the piano in Southern Baptist churches, where her husband was the music director. A long-time Oklahoma City Baptist Village resident, she is proud to live in side-by-side apartments on one level with her mother, Marie Hopson, 104, at the facility.
Halbert often plays the piano for her fellow residents during choir practice, performances, and sometimes during noon dining. “God’s the blessing as we support one another among friends on this campus,” Halbert said.
Tims then addressed those assembled for their November Fellowship Meal.
She shared what she spoke about the most as her platform when she was the reigning Ms. Oklahoma Senior America 2023. She began with her experience with breast cancer, recommending not to have silicone implants because hers ruptured causing a tailspin in her mental health.
Tims explained how extremely depressed she became and instances when it affected those around her. She said she only regained a positive outlook on life after having reconstructive surgery using saline implants.
She went on to explain how this could cause generational harm when children see their mom’s changing personality.
The second half of her presentation emphasized her surprise at having a heart attack when she was in Washington, D.C. attending a national board meeting as a board member of the Military Order of the Purple Heart.
At age 52, she began experiencing chest pains and other symptoms during a meeting. Luckily, several in attendance made sure she got to the ER right away.
Tims explained how everyone should be mindful of the early symptoms of heart problems and be willing to go immediately to the ER to have themselves checked out. She related how she was present when her mother was having problems and Tims knew to get her to the hospital.
Halbert expressed her admiration for Tims’ candor after the speech. “Tims showed strength of character in sharing such personal details about her life,” Halbert said. “I was inspired by her desire to help others who might be going through something similar.”
Before the luncheon, Baptist Village Development Specialist Terry Dennis, who played a key role in organizing the event, gave Tims a tour of the 25-acre campus.
After speaking to a half-dozen attendees who wanted to talk with her briefly after her speech for a few minutes, Tims sat and talked at length with Dennis. They spoke about how, even today, she stays involved in her community to share the knowledge she has as a senior.
Dennis complimented Tims. “You spoke to all of us, not just the ladies because I am part of the cardiac club,” Dennis said. “Working as the chaplain and safety officer for first responders in Cleveland County, Oklahoma, I had a heart attack in 2018.”
Tims owns three businesses and lives in Arcadia, Okla. She grew up on a farm in southwest Oklahoma. She rides her horse as often as weather permits and owns ranchland, making her proud to be a cowgirl.
She owns Bankers Insurance Group, CB Farms and a residential rental property firm. Her volunteer work includes the Oklahoma City Rescue Mission, National Cowboy Western Heritage Museum, Military Order of the Purple Heart, Oklahoma Foster Care Review Board, Healthy Living Center and her church.
Baptist Village Communities, which offer varying stages of senior adult living and services, are open to all seniors regardless of their religious beliefs. Residents can continue to focus on the aspects of life that make them happy while getting the level of care they need at that time, and couples with differing needs can continue to stay together.
