Karen Suzanne Simon

Karen Suzanne Simon was born on July 1, 2016 to Paul Eldon and Eunice Letitia (Jackson) Lawrence in Monmouth Illinois, however she was lovingly raised by her maternal Grandmother Edith Jackson with her brother Steve and a sister Cheryl. She worked hard all her life, doing anything she could to make ends meet. She dressed and posed as a boy at 10 so that the neighbors would allow her to shovel snow and earn more money. Karen also would babysit. She was a taxi dispatcher, car hop on roller skates, grocery clerk, conversational English teacher in South Korea, home health worker. She retired from over-the-road truck driving at the age of 65. Her greatest joy throughout her life was being a mother and grandmother. Her children Michelle, Chris and Carrie learned unconditional love and tireless devotion to children through her example. Although she longed for a granddaughter, she adored her grandsons AJ, Cale, Dereck, Lane and Seth. She played ball with them, attended their important events, read to them, and when needed corrected them. She loved to paint and craft. Her love of cooking and feeding a crowd brought people together. She was an active member of First Baptist Church of Swedeborg. Karen leaves to cherish her memory two daughters: Michelle Johns (Tony) of Phoenix, AZ and Claire “Carrie” (Mark) Karr of Richland, MO; five grandchildren: Dereck Johns, Cale Karr, A.J. Johns, Lane Karr and Seth Johns; two brothers: Steve Lawrence (Kay) of the state of California, Phil Lawrence (Diane) state of Washington, one sister Mary Taylor of the state of Illinois; her loving step-mother: Jean (Shaw) Lawrence of the state of Washington; several nieces, nephews other relatives and friends. Karen is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Paul, her precious son, Christopher Simon, her parents and one sister Cheryl Cunningham. Once in a life time “if” we are fortunate, God allows us to meet someone who leaves an unforgettable impression upon the heart; Karen was that special someone. She touched the lives of many and will forever live in the hearts of all those who knew and loved her. A Celebration of Life service was held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, August 20, 2016 in the First Baptist Church of Swedeborg, Missouri with Pastor Mark Tallant officiating. Speakers included Michelle Johns, Carrie and Cale Karr. Soloist, Carrie Poynter sang, "I Can Only Imagine." Music leader, Merrell Breyer was accompanied by pianist, Amanda Starnes as he led the congregation in singing, "Amazing Grace' and "I'll Fly Away." Inurnment will be held at a later date in the Bethlehem Cemetery, Richland, Missouri. Services were under the direction of Memorial Chapel of Richland. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made in memory of Karen Simon or may be made to the First Baptist Church of Swedeborg Mission Fund and may be left at the Memorial Chapel of Richland. Online condolences can be sent at www.memorialchapelsandcrematory.com

Karen Suzanne Simon

July 1, 1945 - August 18, 2016