Karen Garland

Karen Louise Garland, 66, beloved wife, mother and daughter, of Cape Girardeau, left this earth Saturday, Jan. 25, 2020, surrounded by her loving family.

We will always admire and remember her immense courage, strong faith, as well as her vivacious, high spirited attitude and outlook on life. She was a resilient, passionate figure of strength who never wavered in her support or love for her family and who soldiered on even when times were tough.

Karen was born to Edna Louise Dunn Keesee and Vester "Sonny" Keesee Jr. on June 14, 1953, in Cape Girardeau. She moved from Cape County to Bollinger County, where she spent several years residing in the Sedgewickville and Patton, Missouri, area. She was an active member of Mount Carmel Church until her illness in 2017. She and Billie Joe Garland were united in marriage Oct. 21, 2002.

Survivors include her mother; three daughters, Candida Harper of Raeford, North Carolina, Heather Lawson of Cape Girardeau and Beth Raines of Cape Girardeau; and a son, Michael Joe (Tiffany) Raines of Scopus, Missouri. She is also survived by a sister, Cathy (Darrell) Hobbs of Jackson; brother, Kenneth Keesee of Cape Girardeau; as well as several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Karen was proceeded in death by her husband, father, maternal and paternal grandparents and one granddaughter.

Visitation will be from 10 to 11 a.m., with the funeral service immediately following, today at Liley Funeral Home in Patton. A private family burial will follow at Pulliam Cemetery.

In light of our loss, our family asks you spend your time and moments well. Take a moment to hug your mother, your child or a friend and do the things you really love, as time waits for no one.

In lieu of flowers, donations to The Ben Kruse 18 FORE Life Foundation, 705 Laurie Circle, Dexter, MO 63841, or a charity of choice would be greatly appreciated.