Karen Evelyn Cowart Petray

Karen Evelyn Cowart Petray born September 27, 1951 in Wharton, Texas to Howard Leroy and Nettie Myrtle Dixon Cowart passed away peacefully September 2, 2025 at Dallas County Medical Center in Fordyce, Arkansas. She was preceded in death by both of her parents, sister Joycelynn, brother Cecil "Butch," husband Lloyd "Pete," and son James Wayne Barnes.

She leaves behind her daughter Bobbie (Nathan) Bell of Rison, her bonus son Jeff (Jennifer) Petray of Heber Springs, her grandchildren Julie (Justin) Rollans, Mallory Bell, and Preslie Petray, one great grandson, Kenneth Nate Rollans, whom she adored, one brother Richard (Diane) Cowart of Modesto, California and one sister Kathy Chaka of Wharton, Texas, many nieces and nephews, her dogs Booger and Charlie, along with countless friends and former students that became family over the years.

She graduated high school in 1970 from Boling, Texas. When her children were young, she worked at sewing factories and various other jobs until given the opportunity to attend college where she earned her teaching degree at the University of Arkansas in Monticello.

She taught many years at Carthage High School, with the exception of a few years at Bearden. After Carthage consolidated with Malvern, she began teaching at Fordyce Middle School and later retired from Fordyce High School. One of her greatest accomplishments was the successes of her former students.

In her free time, she enjoyed crafting and gardening. What started out as a necessity (sewing and quilting) became a passion of hers, and she became an incredibly skilled and talented artisan. She was so proud of her fair entries and her “Best in Show" ribbons. She took great pride in her hand sewn, painted, and diamond art gifts that will be forever treasured by her family. Her garden and flower beds were always the best.

Memorials may be sent to Calhoun County Nutrition Center, 1135 Prestress Drive, Hampton, AR71744. Their meal deliveries were so helpful and greatly appreciated or to CARES (Calhoun County Animal Rescue).

Visitation will be at Benton Funeral Home in Fordyce Thursday, September 4 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Services will be held at Benton Funeral Home Friday, September 5 at 2:00 p.m. Arrangements by Benton Funeral Home of Fordyce. To sign the online register visit www.bentonfuneralhome.net.