Karen Cogley

Karen Williams Cogley, 82, passed away peacefully on May 31, 2026. Born on February 7, 1944, in Detroit, Michigan, to Walter V. Williams and Wilma M. Williams, Karen lived a life centered on family, laughter, and love.

Karen graduated from Palmer High School in Colorado Springs, Colorado, in 1962 and later worked as a dental assistant. In June 1966, she married the love of her life, Jesse W. Cogley III. As a military family, they moved frequently throughout the United States during Jesse's career as a pilot in the United States Air Force before settling in San Antonio, Texas, in 1975. While Karen never cared much for change, she embraced every move and challenge that came their way, always putting the needs of her family first. Together they shared nearly 60 years of marriage and built a home where family was the priority.

Karen's greatest joy was her family. She was a devoted wife, a loving mother, and a proud grandmother and great-grandmother. Her family remained at the center of her life and was the source of her greatest pride and happiness.

Karen had a gift for bringing people together. She loved hosting family gatherings, holidays, and family trips to South Padre Island and Lake Travis. Her home was a place where everyone felt welcome and where laughter, good food, and treasured memories were always abundant. She enjoyed sewing, adored dogs, and had a wonderful sense of humor that could light up any room. Her infectious laugh and warm spirit will be remembered by all who knew and loved her.

After raising her children, Karen served as a lay worker within the Baptist Hospital System in San Antonio, where she enjoyed helping others. She was known for her caring nature, generous spirit, and genuine interest in the lives of those around her.

She was preceded in death by her father, Walter V. Williams; her mother, Wilma M. Williams Roper; and her stepfather, Wayne Roper.

Karen is survived by her husband of nearly 60 years, Jesse; her daughters, Jennifer and Jim Moery, Jill and Terry Barton, and Melissa and Mike Koury; her grandchildren, Grace Koury, Kathleen Barton, Jacob and Abigail Moery, Kristopher and Gabriela Barton, and Matthew Moery; her cherished great-grandchildren, Macy Moery and Gabriel Barton; her sister, Nancy and Jim Pierce; and her stepsister, Margie and Jim Iserman.

Karen was deeply loved by her family, friends, neighbors, and all who had the privilege of knowing her. More than anything, she will be remembered for the unwavering love she gave her family, the laughter she brought to every gathering, and the way she consistently put others before herself. Her legacy lives on in the traditions she created, the memories she leaves behind, and the family she loved so fiercely.

A Celebration of Life for Karen Cogley will be held on Saturday, June 27, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. in the Franklin Room at Franklin Park Sonterra, located at 8323 Sonterra Place, San Antonio, Texas 78258.

Family and friends are invited to join us as we gather to celebrate Karen's life, share memories, and reflect on the love, laughter, and joy she brought to so many.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Karen's memory to the San Antonio Humane Society.