of Batesville, AR
August 22, 1956 - March 21, 2021
Karen Lynn Hutson Wells, 64, of Batesville passed away on Sunday, March 21, 2021.
She was born on August 22, 1956 in Wichita, KS to Cecil Dale Hutson and Joy May (Asberry) Hutson.
Karen was a graduate of Southside High School, Lyon College, and the University of Central Arkansas where she received her Master's in Library Media. Karen taught in the Floral and Midland School Districts for 42 years. During that time she served as a librarian and taught English and Journalism. Karen was recognized as a ''Who's Who Among American Teachers''. She also sponsored the Midland ''Mustang'' Annual. She loved her role as an educator.
Karen loved traveling and she shared this love with her students. As a sponsor for Midland Student Adventures she supervised educational trips to Costa Rica, Japan, South Africa, Greece, Italy, France, Spain, and Peru. She also travelled to Poland with the Shoah Foundation to commemorate the 70th Anniversary of the liberation of the Auschwitz Concentration Camp. Karen was a member of the Teacher Advisory Group for the William J Clinton Presidential Library and Museum. She enjoyed reading, gardening, and playing with her grandchildren. Karen loved her family and was always willing to help those in need. Karen was a faithful member of the Harrison Street Church of Christ.
Survivors include her husband of 45 years, Steve Wells; her mother, Joy May (Asberry) Hutson; son, Josh Wells and his wife Laura Higginbottom Wells of Cave City; son, Jonathan Wells and his wife Megan Dossey Wells of Little Rock; four grandchildren Cora Wells, Hutson Wells, Claire Wells, and Lydia Wells; nieces, Bekah Hyslip, Betsy Hyslip; nephews James Davis, Mark Davis, and Roman Hutson. She also has a sister, Kathy Hutson Hyslip and her husband Ted Hyslip of Batesville; a brother, Kenny Hutson and his wife Elizabeth of Mountain View; a brother Kirk Hutson and his wife Lisa of Sacramento, CA.
She was preceded in death by her father Cecil Dale Hutson, and son Jarrad Scott Wells.
Pallbearers are Josh Wells, Jonathan Wells, Kenny Hutson, James Davis, Benson Hardaway, and Phillip Lloyd.
The family wishes to thank Arkansas Hospice as well as Ling Burleson, Cathy Creekmore, Pat Lawrence, Gloria Ragle, and Regina Williams for the care given to Karen during her illness.
Funeral services will be Wednesday, March 24, 2021 at 2:00 PM at the Harrison Street church of Christ with Steve Smith officiating. Burial will follow at Oaklawn Cemetery in Batesville.
Visitation will be held Wednesday 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM just prior to service at the church.
Memorials may be made in her honor to Children's Homes Inc. 5515 Walcott Rd., Paragould, AR., 72450
We are complying with the Arkansas Department of Health guidelines. All attendees must provide and wear their own masks and social distancing will be observed.
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65 Condolence(s)
Jim Price and Michelle (Hively) Price
Sunday, June 20, 2021
So sorry to hear of your loss old friend. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers.
Cathy Hunter
Wednesday, May 12, 2021
I went to school with Karen, sending prayers of comfort to her family and friends😞
Sara Dickey
Sunday, April 11, 2021
To Karen's husband and family - I enjoyed working with Karen on many occasions in AAIM. We always saw eye to eye and had many good conversations. I so loved hearing of her trips with her students and was intrigued by her accomplishments. It was a pleasure to hear her speak of her family. She was so proud of her grandchildren! She was a delight and I am deeply sorry for your loss. I hope you find comfort in knowing that she was a friend to many and made important contributions to the AAIM organization. She was a National Board teacher who lived the title well.
Johnathan Horton
Wednesday, April 7, 2021
Karen had seen the world but was equally at home in Arkansas. She was a delight to get to know. Steve and Josh my deepest condolences to you both.
Johanna Reed
Thursday, March 25, 2021
To Karen’s Family and friends I’m sorry for your loss loved Your family are in our Thoughts n prayer. I’m grateful have her taught my 2 daughters at Midland Hight School she’s so sweet woman Fly high Mrs Karen Wells
Gayle Stobaugh
Thursday, March 25, 2021
My sincere condolences to Karen’s family. I will be sending my thoughts and prayers. She was a joy and she will be missed.
David Hunter
Thursday, March 25, 2021
You welcomed me from day one at Midland and even taught my daughter in a cooking class in the summer.
You are missed.
Keith Stringfellow
Wednesday, March 24, 2021
I met Karen as a fellow participant in our trip with the USC Shoah Foundation to Poland in 2015. She was a breath of fresh air and positive thinking wherever she showed her face, and I will cherish our conversations on the bus and over coffee during our time in Poland. My condolences to her family and all those she touched.
Tracy Sockalosky
Wednesday, March 24, 2021
I had the privilege with Karen of being part of the teacher delegation that went to Poland in 2015. I have kept in touch with Karen since we returned because she is a wonderful human and such an inspiration to me as a teacher. The world will miss her, and I will forever strive to give to education and to kids all that she has given. I am so very sorry for your loss. May her memory be a blessing.
Paula (Finn) Hagan
Wednesday, March 24, 2021
My heart goes out to all of you. Losing someone who is close to you is one of the hardest things that come our way. Praise the Lord that Karen's death is only the beginning of her life in Heaven. I am sending prayers that all of you will find comfort in the Lord and He gives you the "peace that passeth all understanding". Much love.
Paula S Hagan
Wednesday, March 24, 2021
My heart goes out to all of you. Losing someone who is close to you is one of the hardest things that come our way. Praise the Lord that Karen's death is only the beginning of her life in Heaven. I am sending prayers that all of you will find comfort in the Lord and He gives you the "peace that passeth all understanding". Much love.
Dwight & Annette Sharp
Wednesday, March 24, 2021
Your family is in our thoughts and prayers. We are so sorry for this loss in your lives of such a great Lady. May God provide comfort to you at this time.
Beth Winberry
Wednesday, March 24, 2021
Sadden by the news of Karen’s passing. What a role model for us all. An amazing and accomplished woman who touched the lives of so many. May her family and friends find peace and comfort in Christ’s name.
Lori Campbell
Wednesday, March 24, 2021
Steve and family,
I am so sorry for your loss. Prayers for strength and peace during the coming days...
John and Andrea Burnett
Tuesday, March 23, 2021
We are so sorry for your loss. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Lee Neil Kever
Tuesday, March 23, 2021
To all of Karen’s family, I am so sorry for your loss, Karen and my daughter Judy were good friends in school.
Karen Richardson
Tuesday, March 23, 2021
To Karen’s family,
I am so sorry to learn of Karen’s passing. She was one of my AAIM buddies, and we loved sharing our first names. She was such a sweet, caring person and a dedicated worker. She will be missed by all who knew her!
Diane Hughes
Tuesday, March 23, 2021
Karen was very active in AAIM (Arkansas Association of Instructional Media) organization, where she served in numerous committees through the years and made many friends. She also served as Conference chair and president of AAIM. She was dependable, organized and so wonderful to work with. She will be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with her family.
Barbara Reynolds
Tuesday, March 23, 2021
Steve and family, I cannot imagine your feelings of loss. She touched so many lives in such a positive manner. My prayers for you are that you can remember the good times and be thankful that God has her now. Prayers ðŸ™
Joyce Prickett
Tuesday, March 23, 2021
Steve and family, was sorry to hear about your loss. Karen was a beautiful person and i always enjoyed reading about her different trips with her students. I know she will be missed by many lives that she touched. Thoughts and Prayers with you all.
Joyce Prickett
ROBIN AND Traci Bowren
Tuesday, March 23, 2021
Such a wonderful person. I had Karen when she first started teaching English at Floral and
she also taught my all of me kids over the years. Deepest sympathy to all of her family.
Kathy McGough Wiesbrook
Tuesday, March 23, 2021
My thoughts and prayers are with your family at this time. She was my favorite teacher many, many years ago. She had a way of making you feel special and I hope she knew what an impact she made in my life.
Pat Troy
Tuesday, March 23, 2021
My sincere sympathy for your loss.
Gary and Linda Leonard
Tuesday, March 23, 2021
Steve and Family,
We are so very sorry for your loss. Karen certainly found her calling when she became a
teacher, and she has touched so many lives. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers!
Brenda and Harold Wren
Tuesday, March 23, 2021
Our Thoughts and prayers are with you at this time of sorrow.
Harold and Brenda Wren.
Diane Richardson
Tuesday, March 23, 2021
Dear Steve and family, I am so saddened by the passing of Karen. She was a dear friend and such a kind hearted person. We had so many good times in High School, such precious and fun memories that I will never forget. Praying for God's comfort and care to be with all of you during this difficult time as well as the days ahead. There is a comfort in knowing that Karen is with her Heavenly Father now. Love and prayers for all of you.
Denise Martin Taylor
Tuesday, March 23, 2021
I've known Karen since our paths crossed on our first day of school at Southside in 1962. She was very timid and shy with a tender heart and I've always loved her. Who could have known how many young lives she would touch through education. God has called his faithful servant Home to Heaven where there will be no more heartaches or sickness! Those of us who believe will one day be re-united with her. What a grand reunion that will be!!! Sending prayers for peace and contentment for her family. May your hearts not be troubled, but full of faith and love for the Savior and for one another.~~~Denise Martin Taylor
Mary Haley Stoddart
Tuesday, March 23, 2021
Steve, Kathy, Jonathan, Josh and families, I am so sorry to hear about Karen. My mother, Nellie Haley, loved all of you so much. You will be in my prayers.
Leveta Gist
Monday, March 22, 2021
So sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Your faith will help you get thru your loss. Leveta Gist
Jessica Shetron
Monday, March 22, 2021
Kenny, Liz, and family, I am so sorry to hear of Karen’s passing. I know she had a loving family who surrounded her with prayers and thanksgiving. I think she and her family lived across the street from Mother and me at some point in time. It’s strange knowing so many family members that I never knew were related to Karen. I’m sure she was a lovely and talented woman. May everyone be guided by God’s hand.
Jessica Skinner Shetron
Marilyn Brewer
Monday, March 22, 2021
Karen was such a wonderful person and always seemed happy. We always met at librarian meetings all over the state. She was such a great leader in all the state organizations and she loved her students. She loved those grandkids and I will miss seeing her at the pool with them. Praying for all her family members.
Sheila Cook
Monday, March 22, 2021
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Tina Ramsey
Monday, March 22, 2021
Will be greatly missed , many prayers for family and friends.ðŸ™
Lisa Foster
Monday, March 22, 2021
To the family of Karen Wells, I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. I had the privilege to meet Mrs. Wells through her teaching my 2 children, they both thought the world of her! And so did I! She was such a wonderful person and teacher. To know her was to love her!
Pam Hix
Monday, March 22, 2021
Steve, joy, Kenny, Kathy and family,
Chuck and I are so sorry for your loss. Prayers to all.
Pam Hix
Monday, March 22, 2021
Steve, joy, Kenny, Kathy and family,
Chuck and I are so sorry for your loss. Prayers to all.
Regina
Monday, March 22, 2021
To Steve and family:
We were so sorry to hear of Karen’s passing. She was an amazing person! I know she will be sorely missed, not only by her family and friends, but by her many students whose lives she touched. Well be praying for you at this difficult time.
Regina and Tommy Bryant
Roetta Stoneking
Monday, March 22, 2021
A wonderful lady who gave her heart and soul to her students and friends. I always enjoyed talking with Karen( and she was never still!). She worked joyously and continually! My deepest condolences to Steve and the boys and family. A joy to have known her.
Aleca Monday Snow
Monday, March 22, 2021
My sincerest sympathy for the loss of your wife and mother. I will keep you all in my prayers.
Michael Hooten
Monday, March 22, 2021
Sorry for your loss. Praying for the family during this time.
Gary & Rebecca Riggs
Monday, March 22, 2021
Steve and family sorry too hear of your loss. But,knowing she's in the arms of our heavenly father.
Gives one such comfort during this time.
Donnie Branscum
Monday, March 22, 2021
I worked with Karen for 32 years. There will never be a better teacher or friend. She didn’t know a lot about baseball but she knew and loved her students and fellow teachers. Many times I would use her as a sounding board when I had a problem. Always willing to help anyone in need and did not expect anything in return. Karen’s loss for us will be heaven’s gain. She will get that heavenly library organized very quickly!
Brooke (Hollis) Chapman
Monday, March 22, 2021
Karen was such a wonderful mentor and friend at church while I was at Lyon College. She was always ready to care for me, give advice, and sit with me in church whenever I needed it. She was a truly beautiful soul. May her memory be eternal and May she rests well in the presence of the Lord.
Jean Ann Bray
Monday, March 22, 2021
My late husband (Billy Sherrill ) graduated together . I was a year behind Karen in school . Karen was always such a kind ,caring person . Praying for her family .
Juanita Porter
Monday, March 22, 2021
Kenny so sorry for your loss, keeping you and your family in my prayers ðŸ™
David and Vivian Campbell
Monday, March 22, 2021
Steve Wells and family -
We are so sorry to hear of the passing of Karen. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the Wells Family at this most difficult time.
David and Vivian
Debbie Tate, Darrell Tate& Brandy Mason
Monday, March 22, 2021
We are so sorry to hear about Karen she was a wonderful teacher. My kids Darrell and Brandy really liked her she was very sweet to them. You all are in our thoughts and prayers.
Dan Hignight
Monday, March 22, 2021
Karen and I worked together in the Development Office at Arkansas College and became fast friends, and then good friends with Steve. Grieving with the family, and asking God’s grace to abide with everyone.
Doug and Karen Massey
Monday, March 22, 2021
So sorry for your loss. Y'all are in our thoughts and prayers
Heather Runyan
Monday, March 22, 2021
I remember Ms. Wells she was such a wonderful teacher that I had in school she was so wonderful 🥰â¤ï¸ And I enjoyed her so much
I love you Ms. Wells
Cheryl Armstrong Goetz
Monday, March 22, 2021
Deepest sympathy to the family and prayers for all.
Gerald and Sue Turner
Monday, March 22, 2021
We send our sincere sympathies to this family. Karen has meant so much to all she crossed paths with. Upon meeting her one knew immediately she was a special gift to this world. Her imprint will live on In many. She was a true blessing to all. Praying for you all.
Camille Beary (Kim Allen)
Monday, March 22, 2021
Karen and I were in class at Arkansas College. Prayers for the family. She was such a lovely lady.
Susan Crabtree
Monday, March 22, 2021
Steve, Josh & Laura, and all of Karen’s Family, We are so sorry for your loss of
such a lovely Christian woman. I didn’t know Karen all that well, but I knew her well enough to know that she loved the Lord with all her heart. She loved her teaching work, and she loved her family dearly. God has called her home now
and she will be with Him, where there is no more pain or sadness. Praying for
the Well’s family and sending love.
Skip & Susan Crabtree
Terrell Tebbetts
Monday, March 22, 2021
Karen was was an outstanding educator, with the spirit and energy of a born teacher, whether in or out of the classroom.
Ronda and Gerald Ivy
Monday, March 22, 2021
So sorry for your loss. Praying for your family.
Brenda Bissell
Monday, March 22, 2021
So sorry to hear about Karen. She was a beautiful person inside and out. Prayers for all the family.
Betsy Tucker
Monday, March 22, 2021
I went to college with Karen and always appreciated her kind and sweet spirit
Praying for her family.
Laquida isaacs
Monday, March 22, 2021
The church at Harrison St has lost a dear Christian lady & servant/ teacher of all that is good in this life. God has taken one of His own back to live eternally with Him for she needed that eternal rest & reunion with those gone on before her. She will be forever missed & remembered.
Peggy and Randy Pearce
Monday, March 22, 2021
Steve, Josh, Jonathan and families, our prayers are with you for comfort. Karen was a very special person to us, we know her faith is now sight! She will be missed at Harrison Street Church of Christ.
Jennifer Burleson
Monday, March 22, 2021
Steve, Josh and Jonathan- my thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. May you always cherish the memories for I know there were many. May the Lord bless and keep you all. Jennifer
Debbie Payne
Monday, March 22, 2021
Our deepest sympathies to the entire Wells family. You will be in our thoughts and prayers in the coming days.
Phil and Debbie
Bettie just Emersom Clark
Monday, March 22, 2021
I first met Karen in High School, and our paths crossed again when she taught my 3 sons in High School, needless to say they loved her. Then again we crossed paths when I taught at Midland Daycare Preshool( where she always called me by my madian name) and we would laugh. But to top it all off I had her granddaughter in my Clora
Carol Wilson
Monday, March 22, 2021
Steve, Kathy, Joy and family. I’m so sorry for your loss.
Most of my interactions with Karen were when we were young. She was a sweet kind friend. My prayers and heart is with you all.
Bill Campbell
Monday, March 22, 2021
Kathy, we are praying for you and your family.