of Little Rock, AR

November 17, 1950 - July 23, 2023

Karen Lynn Sullards passed away July 23, 2023 in her hometown of Little Rock, AR. Born Nov. 17, 1950 in Newport, AR, Karen was preceded in death by her parents, Fletcher and Sybil Sullards of Searcy, AR and her grandparents, Felix and Sally Simmons of Tupelo, AR and Harry and Mary (Schallhorn) Sullards of Little Rock. She leaves behind many loving cousins and dear friends.

Karen had a fulfilling career in education. She graduated with a BSE in elementary education and began her 38-year teaching career in Hughes, AR, the only place she ever taught, other than the Pulaski County Special School District. During her PCSSD career, she served as a teacher, instructional specialist, assistant principal and principal. Among her honors during her career were the PTA Administrator of the Year award in 2000 and the Bobby G. Lester Excellence in Education Award for Administration in 2008.

She had a strong connection with the University of Central Arkansas and its alumni association. Karen was elected to her first term on the UCA alumni board in 1985, in 2003 she was again elected to the alumni board and served two consecutive terms. During her time on the board, she actively participated in the events committee and scholarship committee.

In Karen's retirement years, she had a positive impact on her community. Her passion for service involved volunteering in various organizations, including Pulaski Heights United Methodist Stephen Ministry, Mom's Demand Action, the Democratic Party of Arkansas and Volunteers In Public Schools (VIPS), just to name a few. Karen lived her life with a big heart and unwavering determination to help others.

In memory of Karen, the family has requested that memorials be made to the Sullards Education Fund, c/o University of Central Arkansas Foundation, P.O. Box 4986, Conway, Ark. 72035 or the Arkansas Chapter of Moms Demand Action online at give.everytownsupportfund.org/team/469302 or by mail to Everytown for Gun Safety Support Fund, P.O. Box 3886, New York, NY 10163. (Please put "Arkansas Chapter" in the memo line.)

Visitation for Karen will be Wednesday, July 26 at 10 a.m. followed by her funeral at 11 a.m. at Pulaski Heights United Methodist Church in Little Rock. Karen's burial service will be that afternoon at 1:30 in Searcy, AR at Oaklawn Memorial Gardens.

Obituary Provided By:
Roller-Chenal Funeral Home
13801 Chenal Parkway
Little Rock, AR  72211
www.rollerfuneralhomes.com