1964-2025
Karen Stuart Brantley, 61, of Redfield, passed away Christmas Day, December 25, 2025, at home.
She was born on January 3, 1964, in Jonesboro, Arkansas, daughter of Willis and Nell Scoggins Stuart.
When Karen was very young the family moved to West Memphis, AR and then later to Sulphur Springs, Texas where she attended grade school and Jr High, and with her happy and sunny disposition she made many lifelong friends, she was a cheerleader and was involved in many school activities. In her freshman year of High School her father’s job took them to Pine Bluff, AR where she graduated high school in 1982. She attended the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville and later the University of Central Arkansas in Conway.
Karen married the love of her life Billy “Beau” Brantley, Jr. They were married for 33 years until his passing Oct 1st, 2024. Together they actively hunted and fished all over the state.
She worked for several attorneys over the years as a legal assistant. She retired from the Jefferson County Public Defender's office in Pine Bluff.
Karen never met a stranger and loved all her family very dearly, the biggest joys of her life were her two grandsons, Bradley and Vincent. She cared deeply for animals and was always surrounded by several dogs and cats. She will be deeply missed.
Survivors include her son, Hunter Brantley (Brianna) of Redfield; grandchildren, Bradley and Vincent Brantley of Redfield, Mother Nell Stuart of Searcy; Sister Lee Ann Blount (Terry) of Searcy and mother-in-law, Judy Brantley of Redfield,
Karen was preceded in death by her husband, “Beau” Brantley, Jr.; and her dad Willis Stuart.
Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m., Friday, January 2, 2026, at Robinson and Fuller White Hall Funeral Chapel with Brother David Pipes officiating. Interment will follow in Cedar Branch Cemetery in Grant County. Visitation will be on Friday morning from 10:00 a.m. until service time at Robinson and Fuller.
In honor of Karen’s love of animals, the family has asked for memorial donations to be made to Jefferson County Humane Society, PO Box 2233, Pine Bluff, AR 71613.
