Karen Sue Taylor (61) of Oblong

Karen Sue Taylor age 61, of Oblong, Illinois passed away Saturday, July 15, 2023 at her home.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Monday, July 24, 2023 at the Crain Funeral Home, Newton, IL. Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Sunday, July 23rd. Burial will be in the Hickory Cemetery, New Hope Cumberland Presbyterian Church, rural Yale, Illinois.

Karen was born on May 23, 1962 in Terre Haute, IN. She was the daughter of Earl and Cathie (McReaken) Buckner. On July 2, 1984, Karen married Jim Taylor. Her early years on her parents' farm shaped the person she would become. Here a mix of work and fun be it on horseback, bicycle, motorcycle, truck or tractor filled her days. She was an outdoors gal and enjoyed fishing (drowning a worm as she would say), gardening, mushroom hunting, car races and using a host of artistic talents she got from her mother to create. There wasn’t a better day for Karen than one spent with her children and grandchildren, doing anything that the day brought. Whether it was a family trip, a movie night or regular work around the house she cherished the quality time with those she loved. Karen cared deeply for her family and was always quick to offer meaningful, well thought out advice. She was always supportive and got her kids to every game or event they were involved in (even if it was a little late). She instilled her family values, determination and work ethic into her children and family. She was a woman of strong faith and a member of the New Hope Cumberland Presbyterian Church.

Karen was dearly loved and will be remembered by her father Earl Buckner of Yale, IL; children Jeremy B. Taylor, wife Jennifer of Mattoon, IL; daughter Elizabeth A. Will, husband Ryan of Yale, IL; son Allen P. Taylor, wife Keidrah of Ste. Marie, IL; grandchildren Hazel Taylor; Emily, Lyle, Jeffery, Noah, Da’Miour and Clara Will; sisters Karla Jones, husband Randy of Blue Ridge, TX; Kris Birch, husband Jeff of Yale, IL; 12 nieces, nephews, great nieces, nephews & one on the way.

Karen was preceded in death by her husband James Brent (Jim) Taylor, Jr., her mother Catherine Elizabeth McReaken Buckner, father-in-law James Brent Taylor, Sr. and brother-in-law Richard Taylor.

Memorial gifts may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Online condolences may be offered by clicking here.