BATESVILLE — Karen Lynn
Hutson Wells, 64, of Batesville, passed away on Sunday, March 21, 2021. She was born on August 22, 1956, in Wichita, Kan., to Cecil Dale Hutson and Joy May (Asberry) Hutson. Karen was a graduate of Southside High School, Lyon College, and the University of Central Arkansas where she received her Master’s in Library Media. Karen taught in the Floral and Midland School Districts for 42 years. During that time she served as a librarian and taught English and Journalism. Karen was recognized as a “Who’s Who Among American Teachers”. She also sponsored the Midland “Mustang” Annual.
She loved her role as an educator. Karen loved traveling and she shared this love with her students. As a sponsor for Midland Student Adventures she supervised educational trips to Costa Rica, Japan, South Africa, Greece, Italy, France, Spain, and Peru. She also travelled to Poland with the Shoah Foundation to commemorate the 70th Anniversary of the liberation of the Auschwitz Concentration Camp. Karen was a member of the Teacher Advisory Group for the William J Clinton Presidential Library and Museum. She enjoyed reading, gardening, and playing with her grandchildren. Karen loved her family and was always willing to help those in need. Karen was a faithful member of the Harrison Street Church of Christ.
Survivors include her husband of 45 years, Steve Wells; her mother, Joy May (Asberry) Hutson; son, Josh Wells and his wife Laura Higginbottom Wells of Cave City; son, Jonathan Wells and his wife Megan Dossey Wells of Little Rock; four grandchildren, Cora Wells, Hutson Wells, Claire Wells, and Lydia Wells; nieces, Bekah Hyslip, Betsy Hyslip; nephews James Davis, Mark Davis, and Roman Hutson. She also has a sister, Kathy Hutson Hyslip and her husband Ted Hyslip of Batesville; a brother, Kenny Hutson and his wife Elizabeth of Mountain View; a brother, Kirk Hutson and his wife Lisa of Sacramento, Calif. She was preceded in death by her father, Cecil Dale Hutson, and son, Jarrad Scott Wells. Pallbearers are Josh Wells, Jonathan Wells, Kenny Hutson, James Davis, Benson Hardaway, and Phillip Lloyd. The family wishes to thank Arkansas Hospice as well as Ling Burleson, Cathy Creekmore, Pat Lawrence, Gloria Ragle, and Regina Williams for the care given to Karen during her illness.
Funeral services will be Wednesday, March 24, 2021, at 2 p.m., at the Harrison Street church of Christ with Steve Smith officiating. Burial will follow at Oaklawn Cemetery in Batesville. Visitation will be held Wednesday, 1 to 2 p.m., just prior to service at the church. Memorials may be made in her honor to Children’s Homes Inc., 5515 Walcott Rd., Paragould, Ark., 72450. www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/batesville