Karen Brightwell, 81 of Batesville passed away Saturday, March 8, 2025.
She was born September 1, 1943 in Fort Smith, Arkansas to Francis Stevenson and Georgia Byrd Stevenson.
Karen was a kind and loving woman who never met a stranger and loved her fur babies. She was a 1965 graduate of Arkansas College and taught Middle School English for 31 years at Cord-Charlotte, Cave City, Concord, and Southside. Karen loved attending her grandkids sporting events, shopping, and playing cards, especially Rook.
Survivors include two sons, Rex Brightwell of Batesville, Stephen ”Swampy” Brightwell of Batesville; one brother, Ronald Stevenson of Austin, Texas; one sister, Libby Wilhelm of Fort Smith; two grandchildren, Haley Brightwell, Dalton Brightwell (Kassidy); her dog, Benji, and several nieces and nephews, cousins and many friends.
She is preceded in death by her parents, and her husband, Jerry Brightwell.
Pallbearers are Russ Staggs, Scooter Floyd, Sherman Rucker, Wig Wells, Josh Hahn, Tanner Vinson, Jamae Morgan, Chris Allen, Max Rucker, and Shane Wood. Honorary pallbearers are Warren and Denise VanWinkle, Gentiva Hospice, Dr. William ”Skip” Baker, Bryan and Greg Wilhelm, and the Southside School District.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, March 15, 2025 at the First Church of the Nazarene at 10:00am with Tracy McMahan officiating. Burial will follow at Locust Grove Cemetery.
Visitation will be held Friday, March 14, 2025 at the Roller-Crouch Funeral Home from 5:00 pm until 7:00 pm
Memorials may be made in her honor to the Humane Society of Independence County, 5 Environmental Drive, Batesville, AR 72501.
