Karen Collins Bates

Karen Collins Bates, born on October 31, 1968, in St. Petersburg, Florida, passed away peacefully on December 25, 2025, in Lake City, Florida, following a lengthy illness. She was 57 years old.

Karen's professional journey was marked by her dedication and talent as a sales manager for Rainbow Unlimited in Largo, Florida, where she worked for an impressive 26 years. Her vibrant personality as a social butterfly made her excel in the sales sector, allowing her to connect effortlessly with customers and create lasting relationships. After years in the industry, Karen and her beloved wife, Belinda Kay Bates, took a significant step by purchasing the business and relocating it to Mississippi, where they rebranded it as KayK, LLC. Karen continued to excel in her role, managing the store for an additional 7 years, leaving an indelible mark on the community and her clientele.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Karen cherished her role as a mother and grandmother (Nana), which she considered her proudest achievement. She is survived by her wife of 26 years, Belinda; sons Cody (Amanda) Bates, Clinton John Bates, and Tristan James Boudreau; granddaughter Allison Bates; and brothers Jeff Collins and James "Jimmy" Collins (Matt Albach). She was predeceased by her parents, Martin Henry and Lucinda Collins, and her granddaughter, Emily Rose Bates.

In her leisure time, Karen enjoyed playing backgammon on her phone and spending time with family and friends. Her memory will live on through the love she shared and the lives she touched. Karen Collins Bates will be sincerely missed by all who knew her.

A memorial service to honor Karen's life will be held at 1:00PM on Saturday, January 3, 2026, at Archer-Milton Funeral Home, Lake Butler.