Karen Lynn Jackson of Blytheville, Arkansas was born January 26, 1971, in Blytheville, Arkansas, the daughter of Kirby Lee Jackson and Gloria Franklin. Karen professed her hope in Christ as a child and joined True Light Missionary Baptist Church where she was active in the choir as well as the Sunday School. She attended Blytheville High School, graduating with the Class of 1989. Karen played basketball while at Blytheville High School and went on to play at Mississippi County Community College, presently, Arkansas Northeastern College. Karen served her country as a solider in the United States Army.
She was preceded in death by her mother, Gloria Franklin, and one brother, Kirby Lee Jackson, Jr.
Karen passed away on Friday April 25, 2025, at St. Bernard Medical Center in Jonesboro, Arkansas at the age of 54.
Karen is survived by her son, Terrance Jackson of Jonesboro, Arkansas her daughter, Terica Jackson (Demarcus Henderson) also of Jonesboro, Arkansas, her father, Kirby Lee Jackson, Sr. of Memphis, Tennessee; three brothers, Carl (Tabitha) Riley of Huntsville, Alabama; Adrian Riley of St. Paul, Minnesota; and Kirby Trediel Jackson of Memphis, Tennessee; four sisters, Valerie Franklin of Jonesboro, Arkansas; Catrena (Clarence) Armstrong also of Jonesboro, Arkansas; LaTonya Jackson of Memphis, Tennessee; and Stacy Davis of Memphis, Tennessee; her life-long sister and best friend, Dana Peabody, ten grandchildren, and a host of loving aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Visitation will be held on Friday, May 2, 2025, from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. in the chapel of McDonald-Horne Funeral Home, 1207 South Division St. Blytheville, AR
Celebration of Life Services will be conducted on Saturday, May 3, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at 1st Missionary Baptist Church, 600 East McHaney Drive, Blytheville, where Reverend Odale Jones is the pastor. Reverend Adron Poole will deliver the eulogy with interment to follow in Gethsemane Gardens Cemetery.
Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.mhfuneralhomeinc. or visit us on Facebook at McDonald-Horne Funeral Home.
Professional services and arrangements are entrusted to McDonald-Horne Funeral Home
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Sending my condolences and prayers for the family. Karen was always fun to hangout with especially on our basketball trips.
I am deeply saddened by the loss of my best friend, Karen Jackson. Growing up, she brought so much fun and laughter into my life. We share memories, jokes, and adventures that only she and I would understand. My heart goes out to her family during this difficult time. Rest in peace, dear friend. You will be missed more than words can express. Respectfully, Shyvone Parnell
My deepest and sincerest condolences to family and friends. May God give you comfort and peace during this season. BHS Class of 1989
"Pig", as I knew her at East Junior High, was full of life! I remember her fondly, as she was the one who gave me my one and only black-eye while playing basketball for the Braves. We were practicing before a game and I was under her trying to rebound. She caught the ball over my head, her arms came down, and her elbow found my eye. My first shiner! Ha! Ha! It was something to laugh about later. As everyone knows, with her great height, she played center on the b-ball team and she made it very easy to toss the ball in to her for a shot. I have remembered her throughout these many years since junior high. To the family, I am so sorry for your loss. My sympathy and prayers are with you. Love, Ginger (AKA - Scooter)
My condolences to the Franklin family, PIG was a breath of fresh air and had a smile on her face every time I saw her. She will be truly missed. RIP CUZZO!!! 1SG (R) RUFFIN, JAMIE C SR
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