Karen Marie Golden

Karen Marie Bussell Golden, 66, of Malvern, Arkansas, peacefully passed away on Friday, September 26, 2025. She was born on November 25, 1958, in the quiet rural town of Skowhegan, Maine, to Raymond E. and Loretta Berube Bussell. Skowhegan, the county seat of Somerset County, is home to the oldest continuously held state fair in the nation—a piece of history Karen loved to share.

Karen grew up in nearby Madison, where she graduated as a proud Bulldog. Unlike many girls of her time, she found joy in boxing, a sport that not only showcased her skill but also gave her confidence. Outgoing and full of life, she loved meeting new people and forming lasting friendships.

After leaving Maine, Karen spent a few years in Texas before eventually settling in Arkansas, where she made her home in the Hot Springs and Malvern communities. Nothing brought her more joy than being near her children and grandchildren. She cherished every moment with them, always wishing they could all be closer together. She loved to spoil them and amazed them with her talent for knitting—whether mittens, blankets, or anything in between. Knitting brought her peace, and she found fulfillment in creating gifts filled with love for her family and friends.

Karen also enjoyed life to the fullest in her younger years, working as a bartender—a role that perfectly suited her warm personality and gift for conversation. She had a way of making everyone feel welcome, whether sharing a laugh or lending a listening ear.

Despite life’s ups and downs, her faith remained constant. She loved God deeply, read her Bible daily, and in recent years enjoyed attending Third Street Baptist Church in Arkadelphia with her granddaughter, Kyleigh.

Karen was preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Pauline Avery; and her brother, Gary Alan Bussell.

She will be deeply loved, missed, and remembered by her two daughters, Dawn Atlas of Arkadelphia, Arkansas, and Tina Travis of Malvern; her siblings, Elizabeth French, Lewis Bussell (Karla), Randy Robinson, Harland Bussell (Debbie), and Donna Sullivan; her grandchildren, Kyleigh Atlas, Kesa Atlas, Steven Atlas III, Malaki Asher, Aubre Asher, and Audrina Asher; and her great-grandchildren, Kylon Jackson and Karter Clayton.

A Celebration of Karen’s Life will be held at 2:00 P.M., on Saturday, October 4, 2025, at Brandon’s Mortuary in Malvern. In keeping with her wishes, cremation will follow the service. To share a memory or message of comfort, please visit her online guestbook below.