Karen Stafford

Karen Dell Stafford, 75, of Cape Girardeau passed away Wednesday, April 3, 2024, at Saint Francis Medical Center.

She was born Nov. 12, 1948, in Rector, Arkansas, the daughter of Maurice and Ethel Benson Bateman. Karen married Jimmy "Jim" Stafford on Jan. 22, 1969, in Rector. He passed away July 10, 2010.

Karen was a 1966 graduate of Rector High School. After she and Jim married, they moved to Memphis, Tennessee, and in the early 1980s relocated to Cape Girardeau. While living in Cape Girardeau and raising her family, she became a member of Lynwood Baptist Church and served a number of years on the VIP Board. She worked more than 37 years at JCPenney and the past 14 years at Cape Senior Center.

Karen enjoyed all sports and would keep herself updated on the latest information available for each sport. She also served as a coach for her daughter’s softball team for several years.

Loving survivors include a son, Jarett (Kim) Stafford of Cape Girardeau; daughter, Bethany Stafford of St. Louis; two grandchildren, Hannah Wilson and Noah Stafford; three siblings, Theresa (Garvin) Gatewood of Rector, Keith (Cathy) Bateman of Sikeston and Marieda (Mark) Lawrence of Russellville, Arkansas; sister-in-law, Sandra (the late Jesse) Stafford of Jonesboro, Arkansas; and eight nephews.

Karen was preceded in death by her parents; husband of 41 years, Jim Stafford; daughter, Shelby Stafford; and brother-in-law, Jesse Stafford.

Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, April 5, at Lynwood Baptist Church in Cape Girardeau and from 9 a.m. until service time Saturday, April 6, at the church.

Funeral will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, April 6, at the church, with the Rev. Kevin Coffee officiating. Burial will follow at 1:30 p.m. at Woodland Heights Cemetery in Rector.

Memorial donations may be made in Karen’s memory to Cape Senior Center or to Access Ministry at Lynwood Baptist Church.

Arrangements are by McCombs Funeral Home in Cape Girardeau.