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.
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21 Condolence(s)
Mar Rash
Sunday, August 6, 2023
I met Karen at the Arkansas Leadership Academy! She was such an inspiration to me with her heart for kids and the stories she shared. She inspired me to apply for the next two phases of the program so I could continue to learn from her. Karen was a true leader in education in Arkansas. My prayers for her family.
Sid Johnson
Monday, July 31, 2023
I met Karen in the AEA. She was always a strong supporter because she knew from her hard work that students and educators would benefit from it. Fletcher and Sybil are so proud of you, Karen. And so am I!
Tawanda Harris
Friday, July 28, 2023
I'm so sorry about the passing of one of my favorite teacher I can remember when I first started going to school at Scott elementary Ms Sullivan was my kindergarten teacher and I cry everyday and pick me up and just held me in her arms and rock me to sleep and ever summer I went to her house and spend the night I'm going to miss her she was like the mother that I didn't have
Becky Howard
Thursday, July 27, 2023
I am sorry to hear of Karen’s passing. She was a true champion for all children.
Kevin Smith
Thursday, July 27, 2023
So sorry to hear this. Karen was a good person and a humble servant to all she encountered. RIP Karen
Hank Hawk
Thursday, July 27, 2023
Ms. Sullards have me my first teaching job at Bayou Meto ele. She was very instrumental in who I am as a teacher. I sure loved going by a visiting with her at UCA football games. Her big smile was contagious. Love you!!!
Beverly Jones
Wednesday, July 26, 2023
Karen was truly an advocate for kids and a strong belief that ALL children can learn. What a wonderful educator in making a difference in the life of children.
Sara Pettit Turner
Tuesday, July 25, 2023
Karen, I am so glad you let me know when you were coming to Spokane. I had a blast. The waiter at Olive Garden was so patient with our yakking back and forth. Wish we could have had more time together, it was too short . Love ya, sweet friend.
Don Bingham
Tuesday, July 25, 2023
Karen was most fun, professional and kind to all at Buffalo Hall and the Alumni friends and family. We were never an imposition for her and I was often the recipient of her acceptance and encouragement. Thank you, for such sweet memories to all of us. Don Bingham
Bob Teague, Bobby Jr., Jon and Mary Jane
Tuesday, July 25, 2023
I struggle for words to express the since of loss I and my family feel at Karen's passing. She was there when Bobby Jr. and Jon were born. Ran my campaigns
for School Board and Legislature, knocking doors in Heat and Cold. Refused to take credit for the success, or to be embarrassed when I failed. Karen was our friend and my mentor for almost 50 years, and I am forever grateful that she was part of our time here.
I don't know if they have Teacher Associations in heaven, but it might be a good idea to start getting ready for one. RIP
Peggy Egan
Tuesday, July 25, 2023
What a fabulous life, and such a fabulous person. Glad to have known her and her energy. Condolences to the many people feeling this loss.
Rosie Coleman
Tuesday, July 25, 2023
I met Karen Sullards at the Arkansas Leadership Academy Principal’s Institute. She was very passionate about education. Her goal was making sure that all students have a chance to be educated no matter what their socioeconomic level was or the color of their skin. She was a true leader!!!
She was also funny, outspoken and so much fun to be with. We will miss her at our monthly friend dinners, travels and just her compassion for life!!! Rest in peace , Karen!! You were truly loved by so many!!! ðŸ™ðŸ½ðŸ’•
Kristen Beach
Tuesday, July 25, 2023
Karen hired me as her Assistant Principal at Bayou Meto and was a wonderful mentor. She impacted so many. I remember her love for her family and her team of close administer friends. She will be missed. I can hear her laughing now as she greets those who left before she did and can not wait for her welcome when i finally arrive.
Paul Cantrell
Tuesday, July 25, 2023
May her memory be eternal.
Cheryl A Woodruff
Tuesday, July 25, 2023
She was an awesome Volunteer for Cloverdale Middle School. And oh how she loved to talk!!! I waorked along side her during Field day for two years in a row and she was a joy and so funny to be around! She didn't mind whatever you asked her to do and engage in as long as she could be around those kiddos. She will truly be missed by Cloverdale and especially Mrs. Ruffins. She truly loved this lady!
Floyd Stull
Tuesday, July 25, 2023
Karen, thank you for being a great friend to me and my family. We had a lot of fun whether it was at the NFR or Ray Winter Field or playing Pictionary at your dining room table, while keeping the beer cold in the washing machine. It was a hoot. You were there for me in some of my lowest times. You were a great friend and will be sorely missed. Love Floyd, Sue, and Nathan.
Laura Cartwright Hardy
Tuesday, July 25, 2023
Karen, Karen, Karen — what will we do without you Thank you for being my partner at those endless School Safety Commission meetings, legislative judiciary committee meetings, and just about everything else that popped up along the way. Thank you for your gumption, grit, and grace (and deep-throated guffaws when things were too absurd for words). Thank you for your hand on my arm at times when I needed it. Thank you for being you and always going the extra step. I love you and will miss you.
Cherry Jihnson
Tuesday, July 25, 2023
Prayers for this family for their love one.By God’s grace and strength,we can navigate through the grief and continue to do what He has entrusted us to do.â€In our sadness,we can cling to this powerful truth, as Paul encouraged those grieving over departed friends:â€We believe that Jesus died and rose again,and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. May this certain Hope give us strength and comfort today-even in our grief.
Sam Stueart
Monday, July 24, 2023
Karen was a close friend who I met in work with the teaches’ association. As president of the local association, she was on our political action committee. When I was state president, she was the logical choice for chair of our state legislative committee. She was wise and always level headed. Karen was a delight to know. I am saddened by her passing. We will never have another Karen. Prayers.
Linda Chesterfield
Monday, July 24, 2023
Karen was a leader of the Pulaski Association of Classroom Teachers where she served as Vice-President, Executive Committee member, Political Action Committee member and delegate multiple times to the National Education Association Representative Assembly. She was a mentor and friend. She found time to help me win my last election as state Senator. Rest in peace warrior!
Mandy Farquhar
Monday, July 24, 2023
Mrs. Sullards was my first principal way back! I remember her being a great leader. She was always supportive of me as a "new graduate". Prayers for her family.