Karen Ledford

Karen Darlene Ledford, most recently of Palm Bay, Florida, passed away Sunday, July 9, 2017 in her home as she was being cared for by her brother, Allan A. Ledford Jr.; her niece Shannon Penney Newman; and Hospice of Saint Francis. Karen was born the day after Christmas in the year 1950 and for her entire life received presents with the words “Merry Christmas AND Happy Birthday” written on the tag. (She did not like this!) Thanks to her life-long friend Patricia May Kennedy, Karen did also celebrate her “Half-Birthday” each year during the summer. (She liked this a whole lot!) Karen was the daughter of Al and Bessie Ledford and the sister of Allan A. Ledford Jr. Following the death of their parents, she and her brother were raised by their gracious and loving aunt and uncle, Carl and Helen Hammett, where they gained two wonderful “cousin-siblings” Mitzie Hammett Penney and Tim Hammett. Karen always said that the greatest blessing of her life was being able to grow up as part of the Woodland Park Baptist Church family. This blessing was not only because of the “heavenly love” experienced but also the “earthly expression” of that love from so very many loving and grace-filled members of the church. Karen attended Margaret Wilson School; Anna B. Lacy School; Tyner Junior and High Schools; The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (where she played basketball and was a cheerleader); and Middle Tennessee State University where, while earning her masters degree, was head of Women’s Intramural Sports. Following her university education Karen taught and coached basketball and/or volleyball at Pima Community College - Tucson, Ariz.; Big Bend Community College - Moses Lake, Wash.; College of DuPage - Warrenville, Ill.; and Texas Tech University - Lubbock, Texas. Following several years as co-owner of a home furnishing design company, which gave her the opportunity to travel the country “peddling her wares,” she ended her work career as a teacher at Harry D. Jacobs High School, Algonquin, Ill. Karen’s retirement days in Florida were filled with book clubs, hiking groups, pickleball teams, long sunny walks with her dogs, and trips to the beach, which were always filmed and shared with her freezing loved ones still living up north. Karen leaves behind members of her “family,” Allan A. Ledford Jr.; Mitzie Hammett Penney; Tim Hammett; Diane Hammett; Shannon Penney Newman; Aaron Hammett; James Hammett; David Hammett; and Matthew Hammett. She also leaves behind numerous friends from childhood including “the old Woodland Park folk,” and from school, work, and the many towns she called home while on this earth. We must not forget her many “furry friends” who helped make her daily life complete and her ten most recent loving pets. They brought her much unconditional love and joy, and she gave them the same, as well as a safe loving home. Per Karen’s wishes, her body was donated to the University of Central Florida to aid with medical research. There will be no services, but remembrances and expressions of love can be sent to the following email address: karenledfordmemorialemail@gmail.com. Please support the animal rescue organization of your choice should you wish to make a gift in her memory. From day one, Karen’s shepherd has held her in his loving arms. The family and loved ones are in total peace knowing that he continues to do so today and forever. For this we are eternally grateful! “The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want” Psalm 23:1.