Karen D (Bateman) Stafford

Karen Dell Stafford, age 75 of Cape Girardeau passed away Wednesday, April 03, 2024, at Saint Francis Medical Center. She was born November 12, 1948, in Rector, Arkansas the daughter of Maurice and Ethel Benson Bateman. Karen married Jimmy "Jim" Stafford on January 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 1980's 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 over 37 years at JC Penney's and the past 14 years at the 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, Arkansas, 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, Jim of 41 years; daughter, Shelby Stafford; and brother-in-law, Jesse. Visitation will be from 5-8 pm Friday, April 5, 2024, at Lynwood Baptist Church in Cape Girardeau and from 9 am until service time Saturday, April 6, 2024, at the church. Funeral Service will be at 10 am Saturday at the church with Rev. Kevin Coffee officiating. Burial will be at 1:30 pm Woodland Heights Cemetery in Rector, Arkansas. Memorial Donations may be made in Karen's memory to the Cape Senior Center or to the Access Ministry at Lynwood Baptist Church. Arrangements by McCombs Funeral Home in Cape Girardeau.