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Funeral Ceremony: 1:30 p.m. on Monday, December 18, 2023, at Frank & Bright Funeral Home in Flora
Interment: Elmwood Cemetery
Visitation: 11 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. on Monday at the funeral home
Karen Lee Watkins, age 72, of Flora, Illinois, passed away Tuesday night, December 12, 2023, at Ascension St. Vincent Hospital in Evansville, Indiana.
She was born January 15, 1951, in Flora, the daughter of Bobbie Gene and Katheryn “Katie” Maybell (Connerley) Carter. She married Lee Watkins on April 16, 1983, in Flora, and they shared over 40 years of marriage. Together, they embraced life’s joys and weathered the challenges, sustaining a lasting and supportive love.
Karen was part of the Sparton Manufacturing organization beginning in 1973 had been working in the press room when the plant was closed. She went on to work at Hella for 20 years until her retirement as a quality and receiving inspector. She volunteered with the Clay County Hospital Auxiliary where she especially enjoyed her time at the front desk.
Camping was a favorite activity for Karen, Lee, and Calvin, and they spent summers at Kuhl’s Campground for 36 years, meeting countless people and some special friends who shared in times that will always be remembered. She also took annual trips to Branson where she enjoyed attending shows and wasn’t afraid to try out all kinds of new and old restaurants, both big and small, in search of great food.
During her time at home, Karen would tend to a large vegetable garden and canned bountiful amounts of tomatoes, corn, and green beans, usually storing about half and generously giving the other half away to make certain that friends and visitors would never leave the house empty handed. Her innate generosity, coupled with a vibrant spirit, oftentimes brought “life to the party.”
Proudly graduating from Flora High School in 1969, Karen remained connected with her roots. She took an active role in organizing 5-year reunions and attended monthly luncheons with classmates and continued lasting friendships. Above all, Karen's truest love was found in the time she spent with her cherished family.
She is survived by her husband, Lee Watkins of Flora; her son, Calvin Watkins of Flora; and extended family and special people including a best friend, Janette McCorkle. She will also be lovingly missed by the two cats who shared the house, Doc and Festus. She was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Vernon Carter; and her sister-in-law, Dee Ann Staley.
A funeral ceremony will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Monday, December 18, 2023, at Frank & Bright Funeral Home in Flora. Interment will follow in Elmwood Cemetery. There will be a visitation from 11 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. on Monday at the funeral home. Memorial donations are suggested to Clay County Hospital Auxiliary, and these will be accepted through the funeral home. To share a condolence or memory, visit: www.frankandbright.com
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Lee and Calvin I a so sorry for your loss. We worked together for a lot of years. And she dearly loved her family.
Karen was much loved and will be missed by many. I will always treasure our friendship and talks! Prayers for Lee and Calvin.
Lee and Calvin…extending my deepest sympathy for your loss. Karen was loved by many and will be missed.
I'm so sorry for your loss
We’ve lost a good friend and a great woman. Sincere condolences and prayers for peace to all who love her.
Such a wonderful friend. Miss her talking on FB
Prayers of comfort for Lee and Calvin. I am so saddened by this loss. A host of people will miss her tremendously.
Karen's smile could light up a room! My thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends. May the light of God's love shine upon them bringing comfort and peace.
Thoughts and prayers to long time friends Lee and Calvin. We are sorry for your loss.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Karen was a very special friend! Always had kind words and a smile! She will be missed by so many 🙏
Lee, Calvin we are so sorry for your loss. Talked to Karen right before Thanksgiving so sorry we missed each other that day. She was so proud of her family I'm greatful she had you to lean on . I will miss our facebook time, she will always be loved.
Karen was a very special friend! Always had kind words and a smile! She will be missed by so many 🙏
Karen was a wonderful and loving friend and classmate. She will truly be missed! We will miss her sweetness and kindness to everyone she met. Her laugh was contagious and we will miss that at our reunions. RIP Karen. We love you! Prayers for Lee and Calvin.
Very sorry for your loss Calvin and family.
I've lost a good friend and classmate who I've known since 7th grade. Praying for Lee and Calvin and all who feel this great loss. So sorry she's suffered so much since her retirement.
Karen was our neighbor while growing up. We walked to high school together for 3 years. She was always happy and smiling. Karen was a great person. Our sympathies to Lee and Calvin and also our prayers. Karen will be missed by all who knew her. RIP Karen ❤️
I am so sorry for your loss.Prayers of comfort.
Our sincere condolences to Lee, Calvin and friends at this difficult time.
Lee and Calvin we are so sorry to hear about Karen. She was a very good person. Prayers
Lee and Calvin, I am sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
So sorry for your loss. Words fail to express how welcoming and gracious she was. Praying the Lord will wrap His loving arms around you.
Frank & Bright Funeral Home
and Cremation Services
500 North Main Street
Flora, Illinois 62839
Phone : (618) 662-2141
Fax: (618) 662-4600
Email: [email protected]