It is with heavy hearts that we announce the too-soon passing of our mother, Karen Renee Baker Barksdale (63) of Hazel Green, Alabama on September 4, 2025. She will be deeply missed by her children: Matthew Eric Barksdale (Rebecca), Laura Barksdale Davenport (Robert), Jacob Allen Barksdale, and Jason Tyler Barksdale; by her brothers: Rodger Don Baker, Kenyon Wade Baker (Sherri), and Nathan Baker (Shawn); by her six grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
Karen, a small, skinny girl raised in a house of boys, grew up with a stubborn insistence on having her own way. At the age of 20, she married our father and adopted into her life two small children who needed her steady hand and kind heart.
Mom was devoted to us. She made sure we participated in sports, went swimming in the summer, were warm in the winter, and every summer, no matter how broke they were, she made sure we went on vacation, even if the camper we borrowed was on its last leg and the little blue Dotson 5-speed truck with no A/C was miserable in the hot Alabama sun. She would buy a half-gallon tub of peanut butter, a loaf of white sandwich bread, a box of Sam’s Club pizza pockets, and a box of Little Debbie’s cakes, and we’d make our way to Goose Pond Colony on a wing and a prayer.
Mom’s accomplishments could be measured in how many meals she could stretch 2 packs of chicken breast. I think her personal best was 3 meals for a family of 6. Mom’s life wasn’t an easy one, but she managed to find joy in appreciating quiet things in life: backpacking with her brother (she loved Hobbs Cabin), an evening cup of coffee on the front porch, or finding that perfect peach cobbler recipe.
When we were little, she taught us that there was nothing more important than the truth, especially when it is hard. She taught us through her actions to value the marginalized and the unlovable. This is her legacy. Anyone troubled or in need of help would find her willing to help in any way she could and take them under her wing.
No matter how you knew her (Kaye, Bones, Freddy Apple, Kaye-Kaye, Mom, Mama, Nanna, Mama Kaye, Karen, or Miss Kaye) you’re invited to say goodbye at Berryhill Funeral home on Tuesday, September 9, 2025. The viewing will be at 12:00 pm, a service will be at 2 pm, followed by a graveside service at Pine Ridge Baptist church in Union Grove, Alabama. Pallbearers are: Rodger Baker, Nathan Baker, Ken Baker, Matt Barksdale, Jake Barksdale, and Tyler Barksdale.
We love you and miss you Mom, Sissy “
