Karen Lawrence

Karen Joyce Lawrence, the firstborn child of Reba and "Buddy" Lawrence, entered the world on July 12th, 1950, in Conway, Arkansas. From the very beginning, she radiated joy. Her loving, helpful, and positive nature blossomed throughout her 74 years, enriching the lives of all who knew her.

Arkansas, her cherished "Natural State," held a special place in Karen's heart. She deeply appreciated its beauty and people, and her cheerful spirit was always ready to "Call the Hogs!" She would often tell wonderful stories of times spent with her younger siblings, Cindy and Jeff, and countless cousins and friends.

In the 1970s, Karen moved to Texas, where she and Ken Halterman welcomed their two daughters, Blaire and Brooke. Her family was her absolute priority, and she embraced the role of stay-at-home mother with boundless love and devotion. She never missed a chance to attend her girls’ performances of their many activities over the years and volunteer at their schools. Karen became the heart of every neighborhood in which they lived, and enjoyed having all the kids hang at the house, cooking and baking for everyone, always saying “yes” to making her famous hot fudge sauce or popular cookie request, and even racing the boys down the street, barefoot, and winning! Her playful spirit was a fun surprise for many who always saw her so perfectly “put together.”

In her 40s, fate intervened, reuniting Karen with the National Cheerleaders Association. She had previously worked there as a Head Instructor during the summers through college, and this new chapter brought incredible opportunities. Over the years, she earned prestigious roles, including Arkansas Director, National and All Stars Judge, and ultimately, Senior VP of Marketing for NCA and NDA. In these positions, she poured her knowledge and passion for the brand into shaping its message and image, making sure to honor the legacy that “Herkie” began.

Karen was an influential founding member of the Board of Directors for USASF, served on the USASF National Advisory Board, Worlds Advisory Board, Worlds Scholarship Committee, and many others. Widely recognized as the face of NCA, she was a trusted resource for teams and coaches across the nation. Karen also played a vital role in establishing NCA's long-standing partnership with the Make-a-Wish Foundation. A few months after retiring in 2015, Karen was inducted as a “Varsity Legend”, the equivalent of a Hall of Fame for the industry.

Karen cherished her family above all else. A devoted mother to Blaire and Brooke, and a beloved "Mimi" to Logan, Harper, Reid, Hudson, and Preston, she created a warm and loving home filled with joy, laughter, and countless cherished memories.

Heartbreakingly, in her early 60s, Karen began experiencing noticeable and concerning changes. After numerous medical consultations and tests, she was eventually diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer's disease. Karen approached her final years with dignity and courage, traits she had often displayed throughout her life. Her girls worked hard to see her wishes through and, knowing she would want to help others, donated her brain and medical records for the advancement of research for Alzheimer’s. Karen’s impact will continue.

The family wishes to express their deepest heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate caregivers who, for nearly a decade, selflessly dedicated themselves to Karen's every need, providing unwavering support and love; they are absolute Angels here on Earth. Please keep them in prayer as they work tirelessly every day in an incredibly challenging yet necessary field, often without the recognition they deserve.

A Memorial Service will be held at J.E. Foust & Son Funeral Home (523 S Main Street in Grapevine) on Monday, February 17 at 11:00 AM. The service will also be live-streamed https://youtube.com/live/Dt0N-husG6Y?feature=share

We would be grateful if you would help raise money to fight this horrific disease using the following site. Please specify Karen Lawrence as the Honoree name, and if you feel so led, we would be honored to know. https://www.alz.org/get-involved-now/other_ways_to_give