Karen Cantley

Karen Cantley, lovingly referred to as Spuggy by her family and friends, was born as Karen Crothers to Floyd and Corine Crothers on January 3, 1958 in Chicago, Illinois. She was the baby of four children born to this union. In 1962, Mrs. Corine moved her family to Phoenix, Arizona. She later married Freddie Kendrick; and to this union a daughter, Carol Ann, was born.

In 1976, Karen graduated from South Mountain High School. Karen was briefly employed with the City of Phoenix. She pursued her passion in theater, and orchestrated her acting talents with the Peculiar Institution Theater Ensemble (PIYE). She portrayed many roles with PITE, and was also a member of the Black Theatre Troupe where she starred in the role of Sister Boxer in the legendary play, Amen Corner. Karen was a natural when it came to acting, and always commanded the stage in her performances.

Karen was a member of First Institutional Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. Robert L. Nesby. In late 1981, Karen joined the Nation of Islam under the leadership of the Honorable Min. Louis Farrakhan. She was active in the Nation as a former Drill Sergeant; leading her drill team to participate in competition during Savior’s Day.

Karen loved people and enjoyed life to the fullest. She embraced many friendships through work as a bartender; and loved to celebrate every milestone of living another year with all of her loved ones.

Preceding Karen in death were her mother Corine Kendrick Dye; husband Conrad Reed; sons Elbert Laron Crothers and Laron Cantley; sisters Janet Crothers and Carol Ann Kendrick; and brothers Floyd Crothers and Melvin Crothers.

Karen is survived by her best friend/ex-husband Leroy Cantley, Sr.; two children Leroy Cantley, Jr., and Karena Cantley; grandsons Jaylin Cantley, Leroy Cantley III, Jamir Morris, Yorel Cantley,and Royshawn Cantley; granddaughters Janae Jernigan, LeAhja Cantley, Sanaa Pitre-Cantley, and Lashawna Cantley; and a host of nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.