Karen Joy (née Duncan) Weems, age 71, of Cuba, Missouri, passed peacefully into the arms of her Savior surrounded by love. Born on April 14, 1954, in Hillsboro, Missouri, to James Benjamin and Anna Jewel (née Anderson) Duncan, Karen grew up in Sullivan, where she spent most of her life before making her home in Cuba.

Karen's life was one of strength, compassion, and unwavering faith. She was a devoted mother to her loving daughter Karina Rice and cherished son- in-love Joe. And Michael. She found her greatest joy in being "Grandma" to her beloved grandchildren Drew Weems of Cuba, Benjamin (Krystal) Britton of Independence, Aaron (Jade) Weems of Sullivan, Clayton (Tiana) Rice of West Plains, Hannah-Lynn Weems (Daniel) of St. Robert, Tristan Rice of Cuba, and Aiden Rice of Cuba - as well as her many bonus grands: Victoria (Ben) Beiker, Nasser (Heidi) Kabbi, Nate (Bella) Fisher-Gilespy, and Jenna (Jack).

She was the proud great-grandmother to a beautiful legacy of great-grandbabies — Macey, Jadelynn, Haylee, Jaden, Aubrie, Kaytee, Lexi, Charlie, Gabriel, Annaleigha, Truston, Kyzler, Karson, Rhemi, Aaceton, Cooper, Waylynn, Tayzlyi, Colton, Jay, and Molly Jo, as well as bonus great- grandbabies Carson, Max, and Ava.

Karen is also survived by her loving siblings Neil (Mary) Duncan of Sullivan, Neva (Dave) Cassidy of Steelville, and Rhonda (Tom) Hibbitts, along with in-laws Kathy (Danny) Dotson of Cuba, Ruth (AI) Brannum of Muncie, IN, Raelynn of Muncie, Richard (Kelly) of Muncie, Denise (Chuck) Little of East Prairie, and Darrell Weems of East Prairie.

She was preceded in death by her parents, grandparents, beloved son Michael, one precious grandbaby, her sisters Fern (Buddy) Stroup and Joyce Corbett, sister- in-law Sheila, and her dear mother- and father-in-law.

Karen's work ethic and heart for helping others were evident in everything she did. She faithfully worked 22 years at Meramec Industries before entering the medical field as a med tech, where she served residents of Cuba Manor for 19 years until retirement.

A woman of music and ministry, Karen was a gifted pianist and singer — self- taught and Spirit-led. She played and sang in church throughout her life, and one of her most treasured memories was recording an album with her sister and dear friend David Beaty. Her voice and songs of praise touched many hearts, leaving echoes of faith wherever she went.

As a single mother, Karen raised her children with faith, love, and resilience. She taught her family to trust in Jesus and to find joy in simple blessings. She loved family gatherings, cooking hearty meals, and summer days spent at Indian Creek. Her grandchildren will forever remember her warm hugs, her laughter, and the smell of breakfast made with love every morning.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, from 9:30 a.m. until time of service 11:00 a.m. at Covenant Praise Church of God with Pastor Dane Corbett, Pastor Jeremiah Wilson and Pastor Dan Barksdale, officiating.

Interment will follow at Kinder Cemetery, Cuba, Missouri.

In lieu of flowers, memorials would be appreciated to Covenant Praise Church of God - Mission Fund for Karina Rice.

The Mizell Funeral Home & Crematory is honored to be serving the family of Karen Joy Weems.