Karen Sue (Fortune) Cathey of Newport, Arkansas, departed this life on Wednesday, May 20, 2020, at the age of 66.
She was born Jan. 6, 1954, the daughter of Bobby Gene and Eleanor “Sugie” (Lawrence) Fortune.
Karen was a 1972 graduate of Newport High School and a 1974 graduate of Arkansas State University where she earned her Associates Degree. She began her career as a legal assistant with the Hodges Law Firm in Newport working with Kaneaster Hodges, Jr.
Through the last 47 years she also served as an invaluable legal assistant to Mr. Tim Watson, Sr. and was currently working as an assistant to Mr. Jim McLarty both in Newport.
Karen Sue Fortune married Mr. Albert “Junior” Cathey on Oct. 16, 1976, together they made their home, raised their two sons, were involved members of the community, church, and school functions with their boys. Anyone who was privileged to know Karen and Junior, knew they had a special love and devotion for each other and their sons.
She was a member of the Newport Planning Commission the Jackson County Community Theater, and the Knit Happens Group. Karen was a devoted member of the Newport First United Methodist Church.
She loved playing Mahjong with Monday Night Mahjong friends and was an avid bird watcher and enjoyed feeding her birds especially her hummingbirds.
Karen will forever be remembered for her kind heart and the genuine, loving care she gave to family and friends. The greatest love of her life was her husband, Junior, her sons, and her grandchildren. Karen delighted in time spent with her family.
Karen was preceded in death by her parents.
She is survived by her husband, of forty-four years, Albert “Junior” Cathey, of the home; two sons, Jason Cathey, and wife, Brindy, of Little Rock and Shane Cathey of Dallas, Texas; one brother, Mike Fortune, and wife, Melody, of Newport; four grandchildren, Summer, Gage, Ainsley, and Beckett.
Friends may visit at Jackson’s Funeral home Tuesday, May 26, 2020, 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Memorial service will be 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, May 27, 2020, at Walnut Grove Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society, 2222 Cottondale Lane #310, Little Rock, Arkansas 72202, or online at donate 3.cancer.org.
Arrangements by Jackson’s Newport Funeral Homes, Inc.
