Brenda Karen Becknal, known lovingly as Karen, passed away peacefully at home on November 23, 2025, after a courageous battle with breast cancer. She was born on October 7, 1963, in Shreveport, Louisiana. 

Karen attended Grace Community High School and later graduated from Tyler Junior College's nursing program. It was no surprise that she dedicated her life to caring for others as an LVN. Compassionate and endlessly selfless, she cared for the elderly and spent many years working as a correctional nurse at the Coffield Unit before transitioning to caring for disabled children in their homes. Nursing wasn't just her profession; it was her calling. She adored her work and proudly passed her love of nursing on to her daughter, Kim. 

Karen adored her family with her whole heart and always made sure they felt the depth of that love. Often described as the kindest of her siblings, she was the first to show up when someone needed help. She was a very devoted and nurturing mother who went above and beyond for her children, even as they grew into adults. Being a mom and grandmother was her greatest blessing and favorite title. She had a special bond with her son Chad, and he could always make her smile, even while teasing her about the one time she forgot him at the park. 

Her true soul mate in this life was her twin sister, Kay. Two halves of the same whole, they were inseparable. Their lifelong connection made them each other's secret-keepers, therapists, and partners in crime. Her grandchildren were her greatest joy, and she cherished their holiday traditions, movie nights, giving them too much ice cream, and the time she spent doting on them.  

She was an animal lover through and through, and especially loved Boxers. Karen enjoyed playing cards and board games and was proudly known by her grandkids as a "card shark." She never seemed to lose, and although everyone thought she cheated, no one ever managed to prove it. The only time she could ever be described as ruthless was when she was playing Phase 10 or Skip Bo.  

She loved Jesus, country music, the Dallas Cowboys, and a nice crisp Coke. She bonded with her daughter-in-law over being "crime junkies" and shared endless hours of gossip. You'd never catch her without her Chapstick, and she always smelled like Amber Romance. She never met a whisper in her life, and her boisterous voice and contagious laughter filled her family with joy.  

Karen was the kindest woman many of us have ever met, a bright light in a dark world. To be loved by her was to be known and loved truly, wholly, and thoroughly.  

Karen is survived by her husband of 33 years, Richard Becknal, with whom she built a loving family and countless cherished memories. She leaves behind her beloved children: daughter Kim Sulser and her significant other, Jesse Whisenhunt; son Cole Becknal; and son Chad Clayburn with his wife, Holly. Her treasured grandchildren, Camryn, Brody, Caseyn, Preslee, and Thea, were the light of her life and brought her endless joy.  

Karen is additionally survived by her siblings, Howard Kelly and his wife, Suzy; Kay Kelly; Diana Kelly; Jennifer Subin and her husband, Kenneth, as well as her parents, Scott and Nancy Kelly, and Linda Davis. She leaves behind a large extended family of nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins who loved her dearly, along with her pets, whom she adored. 

She is preceded in death by her little brother, John Davis, and her heart dog, Razor. 

Karen's family would like to offer special acknowledgment to her sister-in-law, Suzy, for her dedication, compassion, and love while caring for Karen in her final months.  

A private family gathering will be held in her honor. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Karen's name to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation or Operation Kindness. 

To say that a tremendous hole has been left in her family's hearts is an understatement. Karen was the most loving soul, and her absence will be felt forever. Her family wants to encourage others to love out loud, eat too much ice cream, and always be selfless and kind, just like Karen. 

John 14:27 "Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled; do not be afraid."