Karen Jackson, 81, of Joplin, Mo., died Friday August 20, 2021 at her home after a brief illness. Born February 22, 1940 in Carthage, Mo., Karen was the daughter of Walter (Leo) and Loraine Taylor. She graduated from Cherokee County Community High School with the class of 1958. She attended Pittsburg State University for one year. Karen married the love of her life, Ronald Jackson September 13, 1997 in Oronogo, Mo. He preceded her in death.
Karen leaves behind three children: Cortnee Eaton of Joplin, Mo., Kelly (Robert) Johnson of Springfield, Mo. and Christopher (Kathy) Cagle of Temecula, Calif.; and sister Connie Belcher (Bill) of Webb City, Mo. Eight grandchildren: Tiffany Cagle, Morgan (Joshua) Rawlins, Sam Smalling, Blake Smalling, Jackson (Lizeth) Cagle, Zach Smalling, Sydney Smalling, and Olivia Rogers; along with great grandchildren, Jeremiah and Violet Grace Cagle.