Karen M. Waterman, 81, passed away at her home in Thaxton, Mississippi, on Saturday, October 17, 2026, and went to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Karen was born on March 21, 1945, in Owosso, Michigan, to Alden and Sophia Bartz. She was their firstborn daughter. At the young age of five, Karen accepted Jesus Christ as her personal Savior after being invited to church by her teacher. From that moment forward, her love for the Lord became the foundation of a life devoted to faith, family, and serving others.
On September 7, 1963, Karen married the love of her life, Ronald “Ron” Waterman. Together, they were blessed with three daughters and shared a life centered on their faith and family. For 32 years, Karen faithfully served alongside her husband as a pastor’s wife, ministering to others in churches in Buffalo, New York; Los Angeles, California; Nescopeck, Pennsylvania; and Tupelo, Mississippi. She was a devoted member of West Heights Baptist Church in Pontotoc, Mississippi, for the past 20 years.
Karen’s greatest joys were her family and her faith. She dearly loved her daughters, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, and treasured the time spent with each of them. Her life was a beautiful reflection of her love for Jesus, her devotion to her family, and her servant’s heart. She leaves behind a legacy of faith, love, and precious memories that will be cherished by all who knew and loved her.
Those left to cherish her memory include her daughters, Sheryl Denton (James Duke) of Thaxton and Rhonda Waterman (Eddie) of Thaxton; her son-in-law, George Benn Sr., husband of her late daughter, Pamela Benns; her sister, Kris Coss of Kansas City, Kansas; her grandchildren, R.J. Benns, Amanda Goggins, George Benns III, Stephen Denton, John Denton, and Paul Tyler Benns; and 15 great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Ron Waterman; her daughter, Pamela Benns; and her parents, Alden and Sophia Bartz.
Funeral services will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, October 23, 2026, at West Heights Baptist Church, with Dr. David Hamilton officiating. Burial will follow in West Heights Cemetery.
