WARREN — Karen Kay Larance Wisener,
79 of Warren, Ark., passed away Tuesday, July 25. Karen was born December 1, 1943 in Warren, Ark., to Fred C. Larance and Myrtle L. Rhodes Larance. She graduated from Warren High School in 1962 where she was awarded the distinction of Valedictorian. She was also voted most popular, friendliest, best personality and best all around in her senior class. She was also selected by Who’s Who of American high school students. She attended college at Arkansas A&M where she received a Bachelor’s degree in Speech and Physical Education and was also named homecoming queen. She continued her education at the University of Arkansas where she earned her Master’s Degree in Supervision and Administration. In addition to her academic achievements, Karen was also a high school and college cheerleader.
Karen would go on to pursue a career in teaching. She was passionate about her students and remained in contact with many of them well into her retirement. Karen taught Speech and Drama in the Forrest City School District, at Central High School and Parkview Arts and Science Magnet High School. At Parkview, Karen served as Department Head as well as the Fine Arts Coordinator.
On August 11, 1990, Karen married Jim Wisener of Warren. In 2006, she retired after more than 40 years of teaching. In 2007 the couple built their dream home and relocated from Little Rock back home to Warren. Warren was very special to Karen. She was involved in many community and civic activities. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Warren. She was a member of the Warren Woman’s Club for 16 years. She served as a board member for Options, Inc serving domestic abuse victims. She was a member of the Library Club and she volunteered as a docent for and supported the Bradley County Historical Museum.
Most of all, Karen was a storyteller. Anyone who knew her could recount the colorful and exciting adventures of this not so small-town girl. Karen loved her friends and family deeply and had an incredible talent for finding the perfect unique gift for every person in her life.
Karen is preceded in death by her parents, Fred C. Larance and Myrtle Rhodes Larance and her husband, Jim Wisener. Karen is survived by her brother, Larry Larance (wife Beth) of Stone Mountain, Ga., brother Tommy Larance (wife Carolyn) of Warren, Ark., nieces, Leigh Anne Kelly (husband Brian) of Roanoke, Va., and Annslie Davis (husband Matthew) of Fordyce, Ark., nephews Richard Larance (wife Lisa) of Ann Arbor, Mich. and Jeremy Larance (wife Paula) of Wheeling, W. Va. and two stepsons, Jay Wisener (wife Tish) of Bryant, Ark., and Jeff Wisener (wife Becky) of Rogers, Ark. Along with a host of extended family and friends who loved her dearly.
A celebration of Karen’s life will be Saturday, July 29 beginning with visitation at 10 a.m. followed by service at 10:30 at Frazer’s Funeral Home in Warren with a graveside service following at Oakland Cemetery. Pallbearers include Jeremy Larance, Jeff Wisener, Jay Wisener, James Wisener, Rhett Wisener and Gavin Bauer. In lieu of flowers, please direct memorial donations to the Bradley County Historical Museum at P.O. Box 311, Warren, Ark. 71671.
The family would like to say a heartfelt thank you to Joyce Smith, Sabrina York Davis and the doctors, nurses and staff at Baptist Medical Center in Little Rock and Warren Hospital for the amazing care they provided Karen and our family.