For everything, there is a season and a time for every purpose under heaven.  Ecc. 3:1. On October 15, 2016, Karen's season of bravely battling cancer came to an end.  She passed away at the age of 60 at Baptist Memorial Hospital – Golden Triangle, surrounded by loved ones.

Visitation will be Monday, October 17, 2016, from 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM at Lowndes Funeral Home, Columbus, MS.  A funeral service will be Tuesday, October 18, 2016, at 1:00 PM at New Covenant Baptist Church, Columbus, MS with Bro. David Bartimus and Bro. Ed Nix officiating.  Interment will be in Pleasant Hill Cemetery, Columbus, MS with Lowndes Funeral Home directing.

Karen was born January 11, 1956, in Marmaduke, AR, to the late Myron Phillips and Edna Doss.  She moved to Columbus with her family in 1967 and was a graduate of Lee High School.  For the last 15 years, she was employed at BankFirst and dearly loved by co-workers and customers alike.  Karen loved to cook, craft and antique shop with the girls and for the last five years found great joy in being called Grandma by her three little sunshines.  Karen was preceded in death by her father, Myron Phillips.

She is survived by her husband – Jerry Porter of Columbus, MS; daughter – Ashley (Jon) Bradberry of Columbus, MS; son – David (Kelli) Bartimus of Columbus, MS; mother – Edna (Bill) Doss of Columbus, MS; sisters – Carolyn (David) Fox of Shreveport, LA; Bonida (Earl) Kimbrough of Starkville, MS; brother – Billy (SsangMi) Doss of Alexandria, VA; grandsons – Joshua, Andrew and Benjamin Bradberry of Columbus, MS; as well as three nieces and two nephews.

Pallbearers will be Stephen Porter, Allen Porter, David Fox, Craig Barfield, Jon Bradberry and Jon Bartimus.  Honorary pallbearers will be members of New Covenant Baptist Church, Former and current employees of BankFirst.

Her family wishes to express their gratitude to Dr. John Whitecar and his staff, Columbus Orthopedic, the nurses and aides at BMHGT CCU and 3rd floor, along with many of Karen's doctors and nurses for their excellent care.

Memorials may be made to the Relay for Life of Lowndes County, 607 West Main Street, Tupelo, MS  38804.