Karen Sue Goodson

Karen Sue Goodson, age 54, passed on September 13, 2022, peacefully, surrounded by her family and friends after a courageous second battle with cancer.

In 1986, Karen married the love of her life, James Bartley Goodson. Their love was like no other. They had that kind of love everyone dreams of, almost like a fairy tale. Their love was so strong and pure, even up to the last breath Karen took.

She is survived by the love of her life James “Bart” Goodson, her children Leah (Robert) Baker, J.T. (Bailey) Goodson, and Scott (Amber) Earl, Son-in-law Rick Hearnsberger, Mother Pauline Dillinger, sister Tiffany Rogers, brother Charles “Bubby” Dillinger, and her special friend Tracey Clay, and tons of family and friends.

Karen is preceded in death by her father Charles Dillinger, Daughter Afton Hearnsberger, and In-Laws James Truman and Sandra Goodson.

Karen's greatest treasures were her six grandchildren, Bradyn Baker, Mackenzie Hearnsberger, Kaitlee and Charlotte Earl, and Gracelynn and Bryson James Goodson. They called her YeeYee and she made sure each one felt just as special as the other.

In 1987, Bart and Karen started Mid-State Golf Cars. Together they built a successful business from the ground up. Karen had a work ethic that would put most to shame. Even on her worst days, she was at Mid-State Cars or I-30 Speedway (on weekends) working.

Karen immediately lit up any room as she never met a stranger. You would bond with her like no other. If you were lucky enough to be in her circle, she was loyal to the core. She made an impact on so many people’s lives.

Karen enjoyed spending time with her family and friends, going to the beach or lake, racing, shopping or just diving into her favorite books.

We are comforted in the outpouring of love from family and friends. She will be greatly missed by all.

Celebration of Life Visitation will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., Sunday, September 18^th at Smith North Little Rock Funeral Home, 1921 Main Street in North Little Rock. Funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Monday, September 19^th at Crystal Hill Baptist Church, 18823 Crystal Valley Road, in Little Rock. Burial following at Pleasant Grove Cemetery, 24201 Pleasant Grove Road in Roland.