Karen Sue Ballard's Obituary
BALLARD, KAREN SUE DAWSON born August 10, 1954 in Dallas and passed away February 26, 2013 in Dallas. Karen was preceded in death by her parents, Cletus and Elaine Dawson. She is survived by her two sons, Shayne and wife Mandie of Plano and Zachary of Garland; one granddaughter, Breanna, who is her pride and joy; her loving sister, Ruthie Tanner and husband Tommy of San Antonio; one nephew and two nieces, Justin and wife, Stephanie Tanner, Jinger Tanner and Julie and husband, David Martinez and countless other family and friends that her life left an indelible impression on. There was nothing in Karen’s life she was more passionate about than her family. Outside of the home she would go out of her way to help others, doing everything from sitting by the bedside of the sick to baking goodies for anyone who might need a few extra calories. Karen was a lifelong member of Emmanuel Pentecostal Church and the church organist for over 20 years. The ministry most dear to her was foreign missions and she made many trips overseas. Her final trip was to earthquake-devastated Haiti where she spent a week sweating, getting absolutely filthy and having the time of her life helping those who were in such need. When she returned, her heart remained in Haiti and she continued to send funds to assist schools there. Family will receive friends on Friday, March 1, 2013 from 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM at Restland Funeral Home. The home-going service will be held on Saturday, March 2, at 11:00 AM at Emmanuel Pentecostal Church located at 1200 Poplar Dr in Mesquite, TX. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Karen Ballard Memorial Fund at Emmanuel Pentecostal Church and all proceeds will benefit the Haiti Schools’ Sponsorship Program which Karen supported.
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