Karen Boren Koonce

Mrs. Karen Boren Koonce, 64, of Blytheville, departed this life on Friday, Dec. 9, 2011, at Baptist Memorial Hospital in Memphis.

Karen was born in Blytheville to the late James W. and Virginia King Boren and was a lifelong resident. Karen was a dedicated office manager of Koonce, Simmons and Caraway. As the manager, Karen had a unique ability to somehow keep everything and everyone on the right course. As people would enter the business they could always count on being greeted by a friendly face and being made to feel at ease and special. First impressions with Karen were always positive because of her warm and caring qualities. These qualities and many more were daily inspirations to her family and friends.

Karen worked hard but always found the time to be the devoted wife, mother and grandmother that was so important in her life. Karen's' ability to reach out to others was a special, God-given talent. Karen was a devoted Christian and a member of the First Baptist Church where she was very active in the Fidelis Sunday School Class. Her deep-seated faith and trust in Christ helped her to face any challenge and see the right way through it. Karen was also A PEO Member of the CI Chapter and a graduate of the 1965 Blytheville High School class. Meeting Karen was an enriching experience and she will be deeply missed by all.

Karen is survived by her beloved husband, Philip Koonce, who she married almost 43 years ago;

Her cherished daughters and their husbands, Amber and Clint Smith of Dell, Rosanne and Dr. Joe Johnson of Greenville, Miss.;

Treasured grandchildren, Will Johnson and Lindsey Johnson, both of Greenville, Miss.;

Her identicle twin sister and brother-in-law, Sharon and Tommy Shelton of Meridian, Miss.;

Brother and sister-in-law James "Butch" and Lana Boren Jr. of Scottsdale, Ariz.;

Nieces and nephews, Mandy and Joe Neirad of Scottsdale, Ariz., Candy and Pete Onken of Dana Point, Calif., Jamie and Lindsey Boren of Scottsdale, Ariz., Zachary Shelton of Meridian, Miss.;

Brother and sister-in-law Rusty and Connie Koonce of White House, Tenn.; and

Sister-in-law Sandra Koonce of Blytheville.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Tuesday in the First Baptist Church Sanctuary with the Rev. Greg Bowers officiating. Entombment will be in the Dogwood Mausoleum in Dogwood Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m. Monday at the First Baptist Church.

Guest book may be signed at www.CobbFuneralHome.com.