Karen Sue (Pierson) Co
Karen Sue (Pierson) Cox, age 53, of Havana, passed away on Sunday, April 15, 2018 at OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria, Illinois. She was born to Phines and Lacona (Anderson) Pierson on February 27, 1965 in Springfield, Illinois. She married Ricky Gene Cox on March 29, 1980 in Bowling Green, Missouri. Karen is survived by her husband Ricky of Havana; children, Tonya (Ronnie) Lindsey of Bath, and Jason (Lauren) Cox of Havana; grandchildren, Donavon, Ronnie, and Taylor Lindsey, Maycie Love, Nikolai Bowton, and Nerissa Cox; sisters, Patty (Jack) Arterbery of Paragould, Arkansas, and Kathy Colson of Lewistown; brothers, Stephen Pierson of Canton, Jimmy (Jenna) Pierson of Banner, Randy Pierson of Havana, Darrell Pierson of Mason City, Frankie (Melanie) Pierson of Oakford, Kenny (Laura) Fortney of Paragould, Arkansas, and Russell Fortney of Havana. Karen is also survived by and abundance of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents; sisters, Linda Boyd, Shirley Miller, and Beverly Hill; and brothers, Danny Pierson, Raymond Fortney, and Charlie Fortney. Karen was a member of Bethel Baptist Church in Chandlerville, Illinois. She earned her chauffer license and drove limousines and tour buses. One of her favorite things to do was collect antiques and primitive items with her grandchildren, which she loved to display at her antique store Treasure Buddies located in Havana. Her favorite time of year was Christmas and she had a passion for Christmas lights. Her family joked that planes would see them and try to land. Karen adored all of God’s Creation and was the definition of an outdoorswoman. She enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and teaching them about living simply, and wanted nothing more than to be an inspiration to her family. A funeral service for Karen will be held on Wednesday, April 18, 2018 at 10:30 a.m. at the Church of Christ in Havana. Pastor Bill Boyce and Rev. Aaron Blakely will officiate. Visitation will be held at the church one hour prior to the funeral and from 5 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, April 17 at Hurley Funeral Home in Havana. Burial will be held at Laurel Hill Cemetery in Havana. Memorial Contributions may be made to Karen’s husband, Ricky Cox, and will be used to set up a fund for their grandchildren. Online memorial messages may be left for the family at www.hurleyfh.com. Hurley Funeral Home in Havana is in charge of arrangements.