Karen Louise Frazier Cates

After a short, courageous battle with ALS, Karen was called home to the Lord on December 24, 2017 at the age of 64. Karen was born July 31, 1953 in Shreveport, LA to Arnold and Louise Frazier. She graduated from Northwood High School in 1971 and received her Bachelor’s Degree in Education from Louisiana Tech University in 1975. She also received her Master’s Degree in Education from LA Tech plus 30 additional graduate hours.

Karen retired from teaching in Caddo Parish in 2008 after 32 years of service. She spent 18 of those years teaching the GATEWAY program at University Elementary where she was also in charge of the Student Counsel and 4-H club for several years. Karen started and finished her career teaching at Mooringsport Elementary where she earned the Teacher of the Year Award in 2004-05.

Karen held a special place in her heart for children with special needs as she, herself, was diagnosed with Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis at the age of 10 which limited her physical abilities. She loved to read and paint. She loved the beach and made several trips to Florida over the years. Karen loved the Lord and was a member of First Baptist Church of Greenwood. She was at peace in her final days. Karen was preceded in death by her father, Arnold Frazier, and nephew, Jacob Frazier. She is survived by her husband of 41 years, Wesley Cates Jr.; son, Shane; son, Cody and wife Jessica; mother, Louise Frazier; brothers, Joe Frazier and Dave Frazier and wife Cheryl; sister, Kitty Barrett and husband Larry; and grandchildren, Bailey, Makenna, Logan, Addison, and Abigail; as well as many nieces and nephews.