Karen Sue Wood

Karen Sue (Whitley) Wood, of Goshen died Sunday, May 3, 2015 in Fayetteville. She was born October 5, 1951 in Ardmore, OK. to Herschel and Earlene Ward Whitley. Karen remained positive and steadfast in her love for our Lord Jesus Christ. This most recent season of her life, which started about 14 months ago, accelerated her faith journey beyond belief. Her journey has been extraordinary! She proudly proclaimed she was a devoted follower of Christ. They're not enough adjectives to express what a precious sister in Christ she was. A true inspiration to us all. Karen was always positive that great things were taking place (and were going to take place) in our relatively new and small church-plant. She didn't know the specifics, but she was extremely confident that the Lord would provide. In addition to love for God and her family, Karen was passionate for her church. When it came to supporting Unite – Fayetteville (www.unitefayetteville.com), she was second to none. Through Unite Fayetteville, we are the sole supporter of a home in Pune, India called "Unite Pune Orphanage". This home is for girls, however our boy's home is opening up this summer. Karen would want to be clear, these are not orphanages per se, rather homes with parents in home-environments for children in need. In addition to supporting Unite Fayetteville, Karen was extremely active in various other prayer groups and cancer support groups. The number of people that she has fellowshipped with is enormous. Karen's witnessing of her own story has helped many many people. She is survived by her parents, Herschel and Earlene Whitley; husband, Frank Wood; three sons, Jason, David and Robert Wood; two daughters, Loree and Paige Wood; grandchildren, Jeremy and Gared Smith; Jason Jr., Jori, Royce, Cozette, Carter, and Hannah Wood; and Adrian Becker; and two great-grandchildren. Karen was part of something unique here in Fayetteville, and with Christ's grace and love, we will grow and expand on her tremendous contribution. With the Lord's blessing, in lieu of cards, flowers, or other signs of caring, Karen would want you to donate to Unite Fayetteville (Unite Fayetteville, 2558 Huntsville, Rd., Fayetteville, AR. 72701). She so much wanted our church to have the ability to do even more, and she'd been praying for the last couple years for the strength to go to Pune, India in person. Karen's favorite Bible verse is very appropriate for this occasion – Isaiah 41:10 "Fear not for I am with you. Be not dismayed for I am your God. I will strengthen you. I will help you. I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." She was truly blessed as we all are truly blessed! Funeral services will be 11 a.m. on Friday, May 8, 2015 at Unite Fayetteville. Interment will follow in Fairview Memorial Gardens Cemetery under the direction of Beard's Chapel. The family will receive friends at Beard's from 5-7 p.m. on Thursday, May 7, 2015 at Beard's Chapel. Condolences at www.beardsfuneralchapel.com.