Karen Lou McPeak

Karen Lou Champion McPeak, born January 13, 1947, in Shreveport, Louisiana, passed away peacefully of natural causes on September 28, 2025, in Houston, Texas, at the age of 78.

Karen was adopted and lovingly raised by Gerald Doresy Champion and Nona Jane Denney Cozby, alongside her stepfather Joe Blanton Cozby. Her family roots were deep, and she carried their love with her throughout her life.

She graduated from Alamogordo High School in 1965 and went on to live a life full of creativity, adventure, and deep devotion to her family. Karen wore many hats throughout her life-bank secretary, ran her own business, and managed artisan galleries including the Copper Butterfly in Cloudcroft, NM, and the Turquoise Butterfly in Santa Fe, NM-two places that reflected her love for Southwestern art and passion for turquoise jewelry.

Karen was married to Albert Jackson Linker (divorced, deceased), with whom she had two children. Later, she found lasting companionship with David Lee McPeak (widowed, deceased), her loving husband and travel partner. Together, they explored the country and shared countless memories.

She is survived by her daughter Shellie Ann Linker Watson and son-in-law Michael John Watson, as well as her cherished grandsons John Jacob Watson and Beckton David Watson. She was preceded in death by her son Joe Allen Linker.

Karen also leaves behind her sister Judith Sue Champion, stepsisters Linda Gay Ray, Rosalind Pearce, and Donna Jo Futrell, and sisters-in-law Doris Ann Jones, Linda McPeak Strickland, Carol McPeak Boggs, and Sue McPeak Hunt - all of whom she cherished deeply. Karen loved decorating for every season, reading good books, and enjoying red enchiladas and margaritas. Her dog, Trip, was her loyal companion for 19 years and held a special place in her heart. Her favorite sayings-"Whatever" and "Don't do dumb sh*t!"-perfectly captured her humor and no-nonsense spirit. She was a woman who lived authentically, loved fiercely, and made every space she entered a little brighter.

A Celebration of Life will be held later this year, and her final resting place will be in Cloudcroft New Mexico, and in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Cloudcroft Art Workshops in Cloudcroft, New Mexico at https://cloudcroftart.com/index.php/gift-certificates. Karen's spirit will live on in the laughter of her family and the hearts of those who knew and loved her. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.