M. Karen (Gilliam) Jones
M. Karen (Gilliam) Jones
A memorial service for M. Karen (Gilliam) Jones, 76, Springfield, Missouri, formerly of Gainesville, Missouri will be at 3:00 p.m., Sunday, September 26, 2021, at the Langston Street Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Visitation will begin at 1:00 p.m. prior to the service.
Mrs. Jones passed away March 17, 2020 at the Maple Wood Alzheimer’s Special Care Center in Springfield, Missouri.
She was born on May 31, 1943, at Christa Hogan Hospital in West Plains, Missouri to Ted and Jeanette (Boss) Gilliam. Karen grew up on the family dairy farm in Peace Valley, Missouri with siblings John, Rita, Mick and Dennis. She attended St. Joseph grade school in White Church, Missouri through 8th grade and graduated from West Plains High School in 1960. After high school, Karen went to work for the City of Springfield, but her tenure there was short-lived when they realized that she was not yet 18 years old, having graduated high school when she was only 16. Shortly afterwards, Karen began working in Winona, Missouri, for the United States Forest Service as a Secretary and Dispatcher, where she worked for 8 years. While in Winona, Karen met the love of her life Roy Nelson Jones and married him on Christmas Day, 1964 at St. Joseph Church in White Church. At the time of her death, Karen and Roy had been happily married for over 55 years. Karen and Roy were blessed with two daughters: Jacquelyn Ann born on May 13, 1968 and Janet Alane, born on May 12, 1969. In 1965 while living in Winona, Karen and Roy started a registered Angus herd “Jones & Gilliam Angus” with Karen’s parents. In 2015, Jones & Gilliam Angus celebrated 50 years of operation by being honored with the Historic Angus Herd Award from the American Angus Association, the Pioneer Award from the Missouri Angus Association, the inaugural Pinnacle Award from the Heart of the Ozarks Angus Association and a Resolution from Senator Mike Cunningham on behalf of the 98th General Assembly of the Missouri Senate recognizing and congratulating Karen and Roy on this momentous accomplishment. At the time of her death, Karen and Roy have gifted over 30 heifers to young Angus breeders. During her life, Karen was an active member of the Missouri and Heart of the Ozarks Angus Associations, holding many offices in both, including serving as the first woman president of the Missouri Angus Association in 2004-2005. She was also very proud to be elected 9 times as a Missouri delegate to the American Angus Association Annual Meeting. Karen always appreciated and loved her Angus friends. From 1970 to 1976, Karen worked alongside Roy in the Bank of Bunker in Bunker, Missouri and the Dent County Bank in Salem, Missouri, as Operations Officer. After moving to Gainesville, Missouri in 1976, Karen retired from the banking business, instead spending her time spoiling Roy and Jackie, becoming the primary caregiver of their cattle and the AI technician for their herd. She was also a substitute school bus driver and rural route mail carrier. Karen served as an election judge for many years and she, along with Roy, was honored for 25 years of service to the Ozark County Republican Committee. She excelled at crocheting beautiful afghans, sewing, cooking and baking – especially pies – although she really preferred spending time outside taking care of her yard, garden and the cattle. Karen was an active member of Saint William’s Catholic Church in Gainesville, Missouri throughout much of her life.
Karen was preceded in death by her parents Ted and Jeanette Gilliam, daughter Janet (who only lived 4 days after birth), brothers John and Dennis Gilliam, John’s wife Lu, Rita’s husband, Royce and nephew Kyle Gilliam.
She is survived by husband Roy of Springfield, Missouri; daughter Jackie of Saint Louis, Missouri; sister Rita Fugate of Overland Park, Kansas; brother Mick (Donna) Gilliam of Peace Valley, Missouri; sister-in-law Karen Gilliam of West Plains, Missouri; Karen and Roy’s “kids and grandkids” Mark and Tina Henry and their children Julia, Roebe and Mae Marie of Ava, Missouri; and many other family and friends – all of whom will remember Karen for her great hugs, sparkling eyes and ever-present smile.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to the Missouri Junior Angus Association Scholarship Endowment Fund or the Heart of the Ozarks Angus Breeders’ Association Scholarship Endowment Fund (both scholarship funds held and managed by the American Angus Foundation). These donations may be made online https://www.angus.org/Foundation/GetInvolved/DonateOnline.aspx) or mailed to the American Angus Foundation (3201 Frederick Avenue, Saint Joseph, MO 64506-2997) or may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. A private burial was held in Howell Memorial Park Cemetery, Pomona, Missouri.
Norris Cozort
March 18, 2020 @ 12:26 pm
Mr. Jones, Karen, and the Jones Family,
Our deepest sympathy to you and your families upon the loss of Karen. During this difficult time may God comfort, encourage, and support all of you daily. Our thoughts/prayers are with each of you. May God bless all of you.
In Christian Love,
Norris/Ivene(Brickey)Cozort
Stanley Taylor
March 18, 2020 @ 1:06 pm
Roy your wife is in a better place I know you and jakie
have a big empty place in your heart and life right now but I also know karen is looking down on both of you and smiling my thoughts and prayers are with both of you god bless you both also
Stanley Taylor
Lionel Daugherty
March 18, 2020 @ 1:54 pm
Mr. Roy and Ms. Jackie,
My deepest sympathy to you for your loss of Karen. She was a very wonderful lady, fun to be around and a pleasant person. May God comfort and strengthen you as well as bring you peace during this difficult time.
God is love.
Lionel Daugherty
Stacey Johnson
March 18, 2020 @ 3:07 pm
Our sincere condolences on the loss of your loved one. Karen was a true joy to be around. May God be with you in this time of grief.
Stacey Johnson and the gang at The Fish Shack
Sondra Ricketts
March 18, 2020 @ 5:16 pm
I am so very sorry. You three had so much fun together. Those times will make wonderful memories.
Dianna Weaver
March 18, 2020 @ 5:33 pm
Condolences to this family. Prayers are with you all during this time.
Dianna Weaver
Bob and June polk
March 18, 2020 @ 6:20 pm
Our deepest sympathy for the lost of Karen,she was a up beat gal,we know you and Jackie will miss her greatly,God comfort you now today and the days to come.miss our old friends Bob and June Polk
Kay Holloway
March 18, 2020 @ 6:55 pm
Kay Holloway – Roy so sorry to hear about Karen. I knew her when we had the same job working for the Forest Service. I worked at the Forest Service in Willow Springs. Gary and I send our send our sympathy.
Teresa romans
March 18, 2020 @ 7:28 pm
Roy and family….please accept the condolences and prayers of the Eldringhoff family. Karen was a treasure. Peace, love and comfort to you all.
Johnnie Deidiker
March 18, 2020 @ 8:25 pm
Roy, Jackie and all the Gilliam family we are so sorry to hear of your lost of Karen. May you find peace in all your wonderful memories of this very special lady. Our thoughts are with you. Johnnie and Carl Deidiker
Karen Stoeckel and family
March 19, 2020 @ 4:17 pm
Jackie and Roy,
Our deepest sympathy. God bless you and give you peace as you treasure all the wonderful memories you have of Karen. Our prayers are with you.
Christina Moore
March 19, 2020 @ 8:54 pm
My deepest sympathy for such a great loss. Sending lots of prayers and thoughts to you as you celebrate her great life.
Guy and Ann Cisco
March 19, 2020 @ 11:16 pm
Roy and Jackie, We are sorry to hear of Karen’s passing. She was truly a wonderful person. Our prayers are with you.
Daniel Hall
March 20, 2020 @ 10:59 am
Jackie – I’m so sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Lori Kimball
March 20, 2020 @ 9:22 pm
I’m so sorry I couldn’t be with you for Aunt Karen’s service. Will be praying for your peace and comfort in the days ahead. Love to you Uncle Roy and Jax!
Bob and Cindy Kirkland
March 22, 2020 @ 8:52 pm
Roy, Jackie and family. You are in our hearts and prayers during this difficult time! Please know we love you all very much, and pray that Our Heavenly Father will give you comfort and strength.
Sincerely Bob and Cindy Kirkland
Sandy Walker
March 25, 2020 @ 11:05 am
It broke my heart to read a friend’s post about Karen passing away last week. She was such a beautiful person inside and out. She always had a smile that reflected a bubbling personality. Thinking of you during this difficult time, Roy and Jackie.
Heather Walker
March 25, 2020 @ 6:11 pm
So sorry to hear of your loss. Karen was such a sweet lady. Praying for your family during this time. Heather Walker
Carrie Patillo Thompson
September 9, 2021 @ 11:52 am
Sympathy to Karen’s family. She was a high school classmate and friend. She was always fun to be around with her sunny personality. Sorry for your loss. David and Carrie (Patillo) Thompson.
Karen Bryant
September 13, 2021 @ 11:00 pm
Roy and Jackie, I am so very sorry to hear this sad news. Karen was a beautiful person in every way. Prayers for strength and peace.