Karen Williams

Mary "Karen" Petrus Williams passed away peacefully on May 10, 2026 surrounded by family. She was born June 14,1957 to Mr. And Mrs. Charles Alphonse and Dollie Smith Petrus. She was raised in Monroe where she graduated from Neville High School. Her creativity and artistic talent, which was passed to her by her mother, was immeasurable.

Karen began her art career as a graphic designer in the 1980’s. Her first job was at the Palace Department store where she drew black and white pencil drawings of the clothing for their newspaper advertisements. She then worked as an illustrator for Barksdale Air Force Base. She was known for her amazing hand-painted showcards featured at the Officers Club. She went on to establish several successful businesses, including Artisan Hand-Painted Apparel, which was shown at the Dallas Apparel Mart and featured in the Horchow collection. Karen then amassed a large following as a decorative painter of furniture. A publisher heard about her work and reached out and asked her to write a book. “Vintage Furniture Painting” was printed in 2008 and continues to sell copies today. The inscription in the book read “To Joe, I love our life together. I thank you for all your help and encouragement.” After that she began designing clothing and started a line of white cotton nightgowns. She had a large clientele nation-wide and designed and sold gowns for years.

Karen met the love of her life, William “Joe” Williams at a furniture auction in 1995 and the rest was history. They married December 21,1996. Karen and Joe were inseparable - they loved to travel to Round Top, Texas twice a year to sell their furniture and gowns. They had so many friends there and they loved reconnecting with those friends like they had never missed a day. They also loved Vegas rodeo trips and long drives to Yellowstone.

Karen loved being surrounded by family, especially at the lake house on Lake Claiborne, the Petrus farm in Tallulah, or her and Joe’s home in Quitman, where there were always miniature donkeys, cattle, and plenty of other animals which she loved showing off to her grandkids. There was always lots of children’s laughter, good food, and grandkids jumping on their Mammaw’s lap, which always made her smile.

Karen will be remembered for her golden eyes that lit up when she smiled, her wit (which she kept until the very end), and the love she showed her friends and family, especially her beloved husband, Joe.

She is survived by her husband, Joe Williams of Quitman, daughters Michelle Marie Taylor of Monroe, Mary Williams Allen (Jeff) of Quitman, Elizabeth Williams McLellan of Benton, AR, and son, Michael Williams (Amber) of Ringgold. Karen is survived by her brother, Charles "Clay" Petrus (Sara Nell) of Pinehurst,TX and sister Amy August Petrus, of Shreveport. Grandchildren include Kathryn (Rustyn), Alayna, Joleigh, Kayden, Stone, Katie, Ayden, Chloe, Grayson, and Gavin. Great-grandchildren include Ellie, Lawson, Harrison, Landon, Micah Holden, Andilynn, and Gavin. Nieces and nephews include Melissa, Sarah, Ashley, Charlie, and Scott. In addition to her loving family, she leaves behind her cherished best friend, Marissa, her faithful companion through life’s joys and hardships alike.

Karen was preceded in death by her father, Charles Alphonse Petrus, her mother, Dollie Smith Petrus, and her sister Pamela Ann Petrus. She was also preceded in death by her mother-in law, Addie Williams, brother-in-law, Robert Williams, and nephew Shannon Williams.

We are grateful for the wonderful care of Dr. William Slusher of Jonesboro, Dr. Megan Harris of Shreveport, and the amazing staff at Forest Haven nursing home in Jonesboro. We are also eternally grateful for all the friends and family who have reached out, prayed for us, and let us know how much they loved Karen - always mentioning her kindness and hilarious sense of humor. We are blessed to feel your prayers.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, May 13, 2026 at 11am, preceded by visitation from 10am - 11am at Union Baptist Church in Quitman. Burial will follow in the Union Cemetary. Pallbearers will be Clay Petrus, Bobby Petrus, Jeff Allen, Michael Williams, Dino Taylor, and Charlie Giglio.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Union Baptist Church of Quitman.