Karlene Annie Case

Karlene Annie Case went home to be with her precious Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on August 7, 2025, after a short but courageous battle with cancer. She is now joyfully praising Jesus with abandon alongside the angels and saints!

Karlene lived her life with boundless joy, faith, and enthusiasm, bringing love and light into every moment she was a part of. She loved worshiping Jesus, studying the Bible, spending time with friends and family, going on road trips, singing karaoke, enjoying lunches at Purple Cow and other favorite spots, dinners at Murray’s Dinner Theater, watching Hallmark movies, and celebrating all things Elvis.

Born on February 2, 1958, in Marshfield, Wisconsin, Karlene was the daughter of Kenneth and Theresa Case, who preceded her in death. She was also preceded in death by her sisters, Cindy Vaughan and Miriam Case and her Auntie Janet Case. 

She is survived by her sister, Renee Case, and her cousin, Candis Smith.

Though Karlene never married or had children of her own, she was lovingly “adopted” into many families, including her church family at Word Covenant Fellowship, her work family at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS), and the families of dear friends. She had a special place in her heart for children and carried a childlike zest for life and fun – which was often accompanied by one or both of her signature statements - “WAHOO!” or “YOU MAKE ME LAUGH!” She was a treasured friend to many, and celebrated milestones, holidays and many good times with them and her numerous “adopted” children and grandchildren, including: Chris, Rachel, Cole, Rebekah, Matthew, Michael, Justin, Judson, Lillian, Elliot, Graham, Kaydi, Hannah, Hailey, Christi, Brynna, Kelsey, Ryan, Shane, Josh, Kayla, Emma, Tristan, Coop, Elesha, Bethany, Christopher, Charlotte, Covington, Lily, JJ, and many others who brought her joy.

Karlene graduated with the Class of 1977 from Hall High School in Little Rock. She began her professional life in the hospitality industry, earning Employee of the Month honors at both the Little Rock Hilton Inn and the Capital Hotel. She later trained as a phlebotomist and worked at Baptist Health before joining the clinical lab at UAMS in 1990.

Her most meaningful work came as a Patient Care Service Coordinator on Labor and Delivery at UAMS and later on the Hematology Oncology unit. She truly enjoyed her work and was blessed with many wonderful friendships. For the latter part of her career she returned to Labor and Delivery, where her heart thrived. Karlene loved playing a role in the care of mothers and their new babies and being a part of the miracle of birth! She retired from UAMS in October 2023, closing out a long and impactful career in healthcare.

A memorial service to remember and celebrate Karlene’s life will be held at Word Covenant Fellowship at 306 E. Woodson Lateral Road, Hensley, AR on Saturday, August 16, 2025, at 3:00 PM, officiated by Pastor Wayne Blue. Visitation will begin at 2:00 PM prior to the service. Memorial gifts may be made to Word Covenant Fellowship.

“But He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on Him, and by His wounds we are healed.” – Isaiah 53:5

“And when the battle’s over, we shall wear a crown. 

We shall wear a crown, we shall wear a crown!

And when the battle’s over, we shall wear a crown,

in the new Jerusalem.”

– from “Am I a Soldier of the Cross”

Arrangements by Smith Little Rock Funeral Home.

Karlene’s online guestbook may be signed at www.smithfamilycares.com