Karren Lee Jones, 83, of Holts Summit, passed away, Wednesday, July 31, 2024 at the University Hospital in Columbia.
She was born Aug. 9, 1940. On Nov. 4, 1995, she was married to Bob (Bobbie) Lee Jones, who survives at the home.
Karren resided her adult life in Vienna, Jefferson City, and Holts Summit. During the time she lived in Vienna, she was a homemaker who provided child day care services in her home. She then worked 19 years at Quaker Window Products. Upon moving to Jefferson City, she worked at Scholastic Inc. until her retirement in 1999. After her retirement, she continued to provide part-time care for senior citizens who lived in their home. As destiny would have, Karren decided to answer a child care ad in the paper that would change her and Bob’s life forever. It was through this ad that they met Erica St. Pierre at the age of eight. It started as a summer child care job but their relationship with Erica and her mother blossomed into a friendship. The joint admiration between the two families turned into Karren and Bob accepting guardianship of Erica at the tender age of fourteen when her mother died of cancer. Erica became the shared, beloved daughter of Karren and Bob.
In Karren’s younger years, she enjoyed long drives through the countryside on her motorcycle either by herself or with her husband. She also enjoyed quilting, crossword puzzles, and baking. She made sure that everyone in her family had a quilt created by her especially for them.
She was preceded in death by her parents; previous husband, Eddie Doyle; son, Scott Doyle; sister, Sharon Colantuono and half-brother, Frank Drysdale.
Karren is survived by daughter, Paula Woodsmall and husband James “Woody”; adopted daughter, Erica St. Pierre; step-children, Gina (Barry) Driscoll, Ryan (Marie) Jones, Viki Jones, Brian (Brenda) Jones and Belinda (Edgar) Mendez; grandchildren, Chastity (Michael) Warner and Jarod (Julie) Phelps; step-granddaughter, Whitney Woodsmall; great-grandchildren, Cash, Cruz and Callyn Warner, and Riley and Lane Phelps; 12 step-grandchildren and 12 step-great-grandchildren. Even through she had limited time with her step-grandchildren and step-great-grandchildren who lived on the East and West Coasts, she loved the pictures and stories that were shared with her and Bob, and looked forward to their visits. She and Bob cherished all their grandchildren and great-grandchildren and created many, many happy memories with them. Karren also is survived by half-brothers, Bruce and Douglas Drysdale.
As Karren requested, a small private ceremony will he held with the immediate family only.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to Hospice Compassus, 3405 W Truman Blvd, Suite 210, Jefferson City, MO 65109.
Funeral arrangements are under the care of Freeman Mortuary.
