Karen Janine Tally, 65, of Van Buren, was received into the arms of her Savior Jesus Christ quite suddenly and unexpectedly Sunday, September 10, 2023 in Fort Smith. She was born November 27, 1957 in Van Buren to Marcia (McElroy) and Gerald Woolever.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Tommy Tally; her father, Gerald Woolever; her stepfather, Charles Gower; and a grandson, Angel Maxwell.
She leaves to mourn her passing, a daughter, Amanda Woolever and partner Brandon; a son, David Maxwell and wife Haley; her stepchildren, Kim Helms, and Zachary and Kent Tally; her mother, Marcia Gower; a sister, Nyna Myers; two brothers, Russell Woolever, and Kenneth Woolever and wife Patricia; a stepsister, Malynne Perry; two stepbrothers, Toby and Randal Gower; her beloved granddaughter, NaeNae; her lifelong bestie, Joy Cunningham; her "Honey", Alex Vesa; and many nieces and nephews. She will be greatly missed by all her family and friends.
Memorial service will be 2:00 p.m. Saturday, September 16, 2023 at Edwards Van-Alma Funeral Home Chapel. Cremation is under the direction of Edwards Van-Alma Funeral Home of Van Buren, AR.
Karen’s life was exemplified by her love, loyalty and kindness to all that knew her.
A strong single mother, she put her children above all else. Living an example of strength, she worked up to 3 jobs at a time to provide for her family, making sure they had all that was needed.
Her career spanned over 4 decades, working 20 years at Vernon’s Bus Sales (where a tale is told that she was matchmaker for a young Charlie Gower and Marcia!), then 24 years at Central Arkansas Nursing Center where she was beloved by her clients and colleagues. She retired in 2021 when she found a new zest for life.
Karen’s heart and home were always open to friends and family, and to their friends and family. Her heart had no filter and her charity had no condition. Anyone that needed a bed, a meal, or a safe place was welcome in her home. She was Momma to Amanda, David and so many others.
Christmas was a special time for Karen and her expanded circle of loved ones. She cherished bringing the family together for holidays & birthdays, especially once the nieces, nephews and grand-babies arrived. Karen loved babies and took every opportunity to care for them, teach them, and show them her love. She kept the nursery for a time at Roland Hills, sharing her kindness with so many children.
Later in life, she reconnected with her highschool sweetheart, Tommy Tally. They married in 2008 and spent nine happy years together before his passing in 2017. Tommy accepted and loved Karen’s children as his own. And she got three ‘bonus’ children; her heart was large enough to love them all.
Karen enjoyed fellowship with her friends, attending weekly ‘Girls Night’ with best friend Joy and sister Nyna, and game nights at the library with Alex.
She was an avid adventurer, taking multiple trips throughout the country with her daughter, sister and cousin Tracy; Atlanta, New Orleans, LA, Branson, San
Francisco and Ft. Myers. And she was international, spending a special week in Italy with Amanda, Nyna and Brandon.
Most recently, she found new love with her ‘Honey,’ Alex. With him, she enjoyed four-wheeling, taking 1st place in costume contests, supporting local theater, and attending monthly game nights at church, further enlarging the circle of people who loved her.
Karen was a member of the Roland Hills Baptist Church. While we wish so dearly that we had more time with her, it gives us comfort to know she had accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and savior and that we will see each other again in Heaven.
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