History of Karen Pence in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: November 8, 2024

Karen Sue Pence is an American educator, artist, and author. She served as the second lady of the United States from 2017 to 2021, being married to former Vice President Mike Pence. Prior to this role, she was the first lady of Indiana from 2013 to 2017. Pence has primarily worked as a schoolteacher and painter. In 2023, she published her book, "When It's Your Turn to Serve: Experiencing God's Grace in His Calling for Your Life," which details her experiences as a political spouse.

January 1, 1957: Birth of Karen Pence

Karen Sue Pence was born on January 1, 1957, at McConnell Air Force Base in Kansas. She is the daughter of Lillian and John M. Batten.

August 4, 1978: Marriage to John Steven Whitaker

Karen Pence married her first husband, John Steven Whitaker, on August 4, 1978, in Brewster County, Texas. They later divorced.

June 8, 1985: Marriage to Mike Pence

On June 8, 1985, Karen Pence married Mike Pence after their engagement in August 1984. The couple has three children and transitioned from Roman Catholicism to evangelical Christianity by 1995.

1995: Conversion to Evangelical Christianity

By 1995, Karen Pence and her husband Mike Pence converted from Roman Catholicism to evangelical Christianity, marking a significant spiritual transition in their lives.

2013: First Lady of Indiana

In 2013, Karen Pence became the First Lady of Indiana as her husband Mike Pence assumed the role of governor. During this time, she focused on charitable activities and promoting the arts.

2013: Establishment of Indiana First Lady's Charitable Foundation

In 2013, as the First Lady of Indiana, Karen Pence established the Indiana First Lady's Charitable Foundation to support children, families, and the arts through grants and scholarships.

2015: Launch of 'That's My Towel!' Charm

In 2015, Karen Pence launched a small business called 'That's My Towel!' Charm, which created metal charms for towels. The business was paused when Mike Pence became a vice presidential candidate.

January 20, 2017: Became Second Lady of the United States

Karen Pence became the second lady of the United States on January 20, 2017. She focused on raising awareness for art therapy during her tenure.

October 2017: Promotion of Art Therapy at Florida State University

In October 2017, Karen Pence visited Florida State University to highlight its art therapy program, showcasing her commitment to promoting art as a therapeutic tool.

2017: Promotion of Bee Habitat Conservation

In 2017, Karen Pence installed a beehive at the vice presidential residence to raise awareness about bee habitat destruction and the importance of pollination.

2018: Illustration for Charlotte Pence's Book

In 2018, Karen Pence illustrated her daughter Charlotte's children's book, 'Marlon Bundo's A Day in the Life of the Vice President,' with proceeds benefiting charities, including art therapy programs.

January 2019: Return to Teaching Art

In January 2019, Karen Pence returned to teaching art part-time at Immanuel Christian School, expressing her excitement to be back in the classroom.

2019: Head of U.S. Delegation at Special Olympics World Games

In 2019, Karen Pence led the U.S. delegation at the Special Olympics World Games in Abu Dhabi and served as Vice-Chair of Sister Cities International.

2023: Book Release: When It's Your Turn to Serve

In 2023, Karen Pence released a book titled 'When It's Your Turn to Serve: Experiencing God's Grace in His Calling for Your Life,' detailing her experiences as a political spouse.