Karen Sue Staley, 64, was born on March 3, 1956 in Caddo, Okla., to the late Ed and Maudi Louise Sampson. Karen passed away in Dallas, Texas, on Saturday, Oct., 31, 2020.
Karen was raised in Durant, Okla. where she graduated High School in 1974. She went on to attend Southeastern Oklahoma State University where she graduated with a master’s degree in Special Education.
Karen began teaching school at Robert E Lee as the Special Education teacher. She loved her kiddos and they loved her. Karen taught at George Washington and later moved to the high school. She drove a bus, taught PE and special education for 37 years before retiring. Karen loved her bus barn friends. When Karen was around, she was the life of the party, always dressed for the occasion, and food in hand.
Karen loved to bake, she made wedding cakes, birthday cakes, homemade candies, and being at her Aunt June’s around the holidays was her favorite. Karen loved to play tennis in her younger years with Roberta Wescott and Carolyn Rushing, two ladies who had coached her in school and who she admired. Their friendship meant the world to her. Karen had many friends that she held close to her, but her sidekick Terri Stilwell was her closest and dearest friend. Karen and Terri lived together for several years and were each others’ rock. Their friendship was definitely special.
Karen spent her last few months living in Madill with her sister, Fran Yow. Karen was enjoying watching her great-nieces and great-nephews sporting events, making wreaths and being crafty with Fran and making plans for the holidays.
Karen is survived by her sister, Fran Yow of Madill, Okla.; her aunt, June Sampson of Caddo, Okla.; best friend, Terri Stilwell of Silo, Okla., as well as numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.
Karen is preceded in death by both parents, her sister Carolyn Smithhart, and brother James Hankins.
In lieu of flowers, Karen had requested that you make a donation to Toys for Tots.
There are no services scheduled at this time.
Services are under the direction of Holmes-Coffey-Murray Funeral Home in Durant, Okla. www.holmescoffeymurray.com
2 Comments
I remember going to work on the Library Computer at Robert E. Lee in the early 90’s. I walked in the door and there was Karen with a horde of little ones following her. She saw me, yelled “Mark!” and her face lit up with a thousand watt smile. Prayers for her family and many friends.
I knew karen ever since I was little her and her sister my cousins would hang out they were all older than me so I thought it was cool, my cousin is marianne brown and sherry brown karen was the sweetest person my mom and dad thought the world of her she used to play ball for my dad babe russell my mom sue Russell I’m so sorry for your tremendous loss your family is in my prayers