Karen was the devoted wife of Kenneth Penland for 57 wonderful years—years filled with unwavering love, partnership, and adventure. Together, they built a life rooted in faith, family, and service.
For many years, Karen worked as an Escrow Officer, known for her professionalism, integrity, and dedication. She also faithfully served as church secretary and treasurer at A Sinner’s Hope Baptist Church and was a faithful member of Grace Community Church.
After her retirement in 1999, Karen and Kenneth enjoyed traveling the country by RV, creating cherished memories on the open road. Yet no matter where she went, Karen’s heart was always at home with her family and friends. She was deeply involved in various ministries and joyfully supported her children and grandchildren in all their activities. A cancer survivor and one of the toughest women her loved ones ever knew, Karen faced every challenge with remarkable strength and grace.
Karen’s legacy lives on through the family she adored. She is survived by her three children: Tammy Denham; Kim Marshall and husband Rodney; and Kenny Penland and wife Angela. She leaves behind her treasured grandchildren—Cameron Wood, James Renfroe, Haley Chaparro, Ashley Marshall, Camron Marshall, Kendall Penland, and Kaden Penland—along with nine great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.
In loving memory of Karen, the family invites all who knew her to join in celebrating a life beautifully lived and deeply loved.
A funeral service will be held on Friday, November 21, 2025, at 11 a.m. at Grace Community Church in Mabank, Texas. The family will receive friends for one hour prior to the service. Interment will follow the service at New Harmony Cemetery in Ben Wheeler, Texas.
Serving as pallbearers will be Kendall Penland, Kaden Penland, Kaleb Marshall, Luis Chaparro, Cory Tidwell, and Joshua Arnold.
