Karen Sheppard

Karen Sue Sheppard was a caring wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. Her love of life did not come to an end at her death. Karen passed away on May 2, 2022 at the age of 69 surrounded by loved ones who will continue to honor her legacy by living their lives to the fullest.

Karen was born on February 4, 1953 to Howard and Adina (Woolf) Jones of Toadsuck, Arkansas and was the youngest sister to Paul, Shirley (Morgan), Gene, and Marty (Growns). After graduating from Bigelow High School, she continued her education at Arkansas State Teachers College. Karen was a lifelong educator whether in a public school, her local church, or her home with her two sons Chris and Daniel Beasley. She shared her passion for learning with countless people throughout her life.

After her retirement, her love for new experiences and opportunities flourished. Karen enjoyed spending time traveling to new places, boating on Greers Ferry Lake, riding four wheelers in the woods, winning games played against friends and family, discussing the last book or interesting article she’d read, and learning everything she could about the new people she met. She met some of her dearest friends after joining a small group at St. James Methodist Church in Little Rock. It was these friends and the many others that she met along the way who joined her journey to make the past 20 years full of such life and adventure.

Sixteen years ago Karen married the love of her life, Tom, and gained three more children. Their life together was a source of constant joy. Anyone who spent time with them can remember the sound of their laughter and saw their love through the many smiles they shared. Tom personified her love for life and the two of them were constant companions in the pursuit of happiness and adventure.

Karen is survived by her husband Thomas Sheppard; son Chris Beasley and wife Stephanie; son Daniel Beasley and husband T.J.; son Kevin Sheppard and wife Kelli; daughter Alisha Lonix; son Kyle Sheppard and wife Cassie; and grandchildren Meagan, Cate, and Addison Beasley; Nathaniel, Wayne, and Taylee Lonix; Madison, Mason, and Dawson Stallings, and Katelyn and Kylie Sheppard. She is also survived by brother Gene Jones and wife Cassandra; sister Marty Growns and husband Bill; sister-in-law Denise Robertson and husband Claude, sister-in-law Rebecca Brown and husband Tony, sister-in-law Kathryn Thornhill and husband Grant; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A celebration of life will be held at Griffin Leggett Funeral Home in Conway on Friday, May 6th at 2 pm. Visitation is 6 to 8 pm on Thursday, May 5th.