Karen Sue Wright

Karen Sue Wright, age 71 years, a resident of rural Harrisburg, Illinois, passed away Wednesday evening, November 15, 2023, at 11:05 PM at SIH – Memorial Hospital in Carbondale, Illinois. Karen was born August 1, 1952 in Metropolis, Illinois. She was the daughter of Maurice and Juanita (Bailey) Wells. On July 4, 1976, Karen was united in marriage to Charles T. Wright at the Cedar Grove Social Brethren Church near Eddyville. He survives. In addition to her husband, Karen is survived by: their son – Matthew B. Wright of Harrisburg; her mother – Juanita Wells Hardin of Harrisburg; a brother – Jerry (his wife, Zena) Wells of the Glendale community, as well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, brothers-in-law, other relatives and many friends. Karen was preceded in death by her father, Maurice Wells. Karen was a 1970 graduate of Pope County Community High School. She earned her Licensed Practical Nurse (L.P.N.) certification from Southeastern Illinois College at Harrisburg. Karen had worked as a nurse at Western Baptist Hospital in Paducah, Kentucky. She served as a personal caregiver at the Golden Circle Senior Citizen Center in Golconda and later worked as a secretary for Vivian Schuchardt in Vivian’s Heating and Air Conditioning business. Karen was a lifelong member of the Cedar Grove Social Brethren Church in rural Pope County Illinois. She had served as the church pianist for over 60 years. Karen and Charles were also the church custodians for a number of years. Karen loved gospel music and had served as the pianist for the Bailey Family Quartet and later for the Harmony Five Gospel Quartet. Karen and Charles enjoyed fishing together. Karen also enjoyed collecting teddy bears, Santa Claus figurines, and teapots. She cherished time spent with family and friends. A service honoring the life of Karen Sue Wright will be conducted Saturday afternoon, November 18, 2023, at 12 Noon, at the Cedar Grove Social Brethren Church, 368 Cedar Grove Road, Simpson, Illinois 62985. Pastor Mandy Curry, Karen’s niece, along with Pastor Jerry Wells, Karen’s brother, will officiate. Burial will be in the Cedar Grove Cemetery. Visitation will be held Saturday morning, November 18, 2023, from 10 AM – 12 Noon at Cedar Grove Social Brethren Church. Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or to the Cedar Grove Cemetery Fund and may be left in the care of Bailey Funeral Home, P.O. Box 695, Vienna, Illinois 62995.

Karen Sue Wright

August 1, 1952 - November 15, 2023