of Batesville, AR
September 1, 1943 - March 8, 2025
Karen Brightwell, 81 of Batesville passed away Saturday, March 8, 2025.
She was born September 1, 1943 in Fort Smith, Arkansas to Francis Stevenson and Georgia Byrd Stevenson.
Karen was a kind and loving woman who never met a stranger and loved her fur babies. She was a 1965 graduate of Arkansas College and taught Middle School English for 31 years at Cord-Charlotte, Cave City, Concord, and Southside. Karen loved attending her grandkids sporting events, shopping, and playing cards, especially Rook.
Survivors include two sons, Rex Brightwell of Batesville, Stephen ''Swampy'' Brightwell of Batesville; one brother, Ronald Stevenson of Austin, Texas; one sister, Libby Wilhelm of Fort Smith; two grandchildren, Haley Brightwell, Dalton Brightwell (Kassidy); her dog, Benji, and several nieces and nephews, cousins and many friends.
She is preceded in death by her parents, and her husband, Jerry Brightwell.
Pallbearers are Russ Staggs, Scooter Floyd, Sherman Rucker, Wig Wells, Josh Hahn, Tanner Vinson, Jamae Morgan, Chris Allen, Max Rucker, and Shane Wood. Honorary pallbearers are Warren and Denise VanWinkle, Gentiva Hospice, Dr. William ''Skip'' Baker, Bryan and Greg Wilhelm, and the Southside School District.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, March 15, 2025 at the First Church of the Nazarene at 10:00am with Tracy McMahan officiating. Burial will follow at Locust Grove Cemetery.
Visitation will be held Friday, March 14, 2025 at the Roller-Crouch Funeral Home from 5:00pm until 7:00pm
Memorials may be made in her honor to the Humane Society of Independence County, 5 Environmental Drive, Batesville, AR 72501.
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34 Condolence(s)
AC and Barbara Bell
Tuesday, March 11, 2025
Karen was a great lady and will be missed dearly by all who knew her! Praying for Rex and Stephen and the grandkids during this difficult time! Love A C and Barbara Bell
Mattie Benson Seward
Tuesday, March 11, 2025
So sorry to learn of Karen’s passing. David and I were at college with Karen and Rex. Sending love and prayers for her family.
Richard Galbraith
Tuesday, March 11, 2025
I was a classmate at Arkansas College, graduating with her in 1965. Pray for her family and friends.
Cheryl Lewis
Tuesday, March 11, 2025
Rex and Stephen, So Sorry for the loss of your mother. Sending Prayers for Peace, Comfort, and Healing to you both and your families. Chuck and Cheryl Lewis
April Wood-Osier
Tuesday, March 11, 2025
You boys & families are in my thoughts & prayers. Karen was such a kind soul & lived & loved for her family. May God give you peace & comfort today & the days ahead.
Betty Burge Cockrill
Tuesday, March 11, 2025
Rex and Stephen, I am so sorry to hear about Karen. My prayers are with you and your families.
Donald and Peggy Anderson
Tuesday, March 11, 2025
Rex and Stephen, we are so sorry for the loss of your mother. We send our love and prayers for comfort during this time.
Todd, Resa and Stephanie Bolin
Tuesday, March 11, 2025
She always had a smile on her face with kind words to all. She was such a special lady that loved her family and the people that surrounded her. We are sending many prayers for the days ahead for comfort and peace.
JANET TOSH
Tuesday, March 11, 2025
We are soo very sorry for your loss Rex and Stephen. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Amanda Cohrs
Tuesday, March 11, 2025
So sorry for your loss. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.
Renee Johnson
Tuesday, March 11, 2025
She was a beautiful soul
Ann Stephens
Tuesday, March 11, 2025
We have lost another fine member of Kappa Kappa Alpha Sorority and Arkansas College ((Lyon College). Karen was a ‘65 classmate and Sorority Sister. I am sorry for your family’s loss.
Angie & Brian Nichols
Tuesday, March 11, 2025
So sorry for your loss, prayers for the family
Leo & Vickey Branscum
Monday, March 10, 2025
Sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. She taught our son and he said she was the most fair teacher he had at that time. I also taught school with her several years at Southside. I know she will be missed. With all our love,
Leo and Vickey
Laura Martin
Monday, March 10, 2025
I'm so sorry about your sweet mom. She was a wonderful person. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Dorothy (McBride) Barnez
Monday, March 10, 2025
Rex , My deepest sympathy for you and your family.
Jerri Gleghorn Henley
Monday, March 10, 2025
Rex, Stephen and family, I am sending my deepest sympathy in the passing of your mom! I’m praying for peace and comfort for you as you navigate the coming weeks and months. I was fortunate to be in her 5th grade class and later teach beside her in the same building at Southside. She was always there with a helping hand or a word of wisdom! I appreciated her so much and have a special place in my heart for her!
Linda Thomas
Monday, March 10, 2025
Prayers for all of the family. A mom is so so hard to loose.
Anne and Bill Luster
Monday, March 10, 2025
We’re so sorry for the loss of your mother. She was a bright spirit.
Paul Schoen
Monday, March 10, 2025
Karen was my cousin. She was a wonderful person to be around as a kid growing up. We always met at bigmothers house for Sunday dinners. I will remember her always.
Linda Jobe
Monday, March 10, 2025
Rex and family, I am so very sorry for the loss of your Mother..... During this terrible time, we can only rest in the arms of Our Savior. May Our Loving Heavenly Father give you Comfort and Peace. Love, Linda
Elaine Donley
Monday, March 10, 2025
Prayers for comfort and peace during this difficult time.
Cheryl kazlaskas
Monday, March 10, 2025
My thoughts and prayers are with those she has left behind, but I celebrate her renewal in eternity.
Courtney Morrow
Monday, March 10, 2025
I'm sorry for your loss. Sending hugs and prayers.
Perry and Pat pectol
Monday, March 10, 2025
Sure going to miss you.love to the family
Anne Yates Griffis
Monday, March 10, 2025
KAREN WAS A VERY KIND AND SPECIAL LADY. IM SO VERY SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS. MY HEART GOES OUT TO REX BRIGHTWELL AND THE REST OF THE FAMILY.YOUR IN MY PRAYERS.
Bill and Nana Whittington
Monday, March 10, 2025
So sorry to hear of her passing. Sweet lady. Taught with her at Southside. God bless her family.
Ginger Sims. (Linda Castleberry)
Monday, March 10, 2025
Praying for the family.
We grew up together in Ft. Smith and both attended Arkansas college.
Be blessed.
Lynn and Lana McCarty
Monday, March 10, 2025
We are praying for comfort and peace during this difficult time. Love to your family.
Janice fuller
Monday, March 10, 2025
So sorry for your loss prayers for the days ahead!
Fonda Johnson
Monday, March 10, 2025
Prayers for all the family!
Pat & Tom Jernigan
Monday, March 10, 2025
Prayers for comfort during this loss. Whe was a great teacher for my children at Southside.
TOMMY L KRAMERi was
Monday, March 10, 2025
Rex so sorry to learn of your mom passing she was a fine lady and will be missed prayers for the family tommy kramer
Laura Hawkins Ward
Monday, March 10, 2025
Rex, Stephen and family, my thought and prayers are with you. So sorry for your loss.