Karen Aletha Yarbrough

Karen Yarbrough, 54, of Nacogdoches passed away on Saturday, December 28, 2019 in Nacogdoches. She was born on August 29, 1965, the daughter of Judge J. Jack Yarbrough and Nancy Kay Graham Yarbrough. The Yarbrough family held a private service for her closest family and friends.

Karen was born in Denton, Texas and made East Texas her home when her family moved to Garrison on the family farm when she was 8 years old. From a very early age, Karen knew she loved being at the farm, and vowed to always return there. She spent many hours riding her favorite horse, “Choice” in the pastures at the farm. When she became older, Karen was like a mother to so many. Even Carl’s friends loved to spend time with his “cool” sister.

Karen’s love of the farm turned into a great enjoyment being outside and then to a complete love of any and all animals. Of course, her heart was drawn to cats and she always had a couple around. She loved Spooky, Cali, and Sunshine very much. Karen loved to travel and the times she spent with her dad at the casino were especially happy ones. She also enjoyed her quiet time with her mom, including learning her trade of applique and sewing with her at her shop in downtown Nacogdoches.

Karen found her true love when her son, Graham was born. She loved him without end and the joy he brought to her was endless. Together, they made a great team and from the time Graham was a young child, there wasn’t much they could not accomplish together. They enjoyed playing games, watching movies, and had a special bond with the cats, Aero and Meeko. Karen also made sure to instill a love of everything Disney in Graham. She took him there as often as she could and made some of the best memories each time they went.

Karen is survived by her son, Graham Yarbrough of Nacogdoches; mother, Nancy Kay Graham Yarbrough of Nacogdoches; father, Judge Jack Yarbrough and wife, Dorothy of Nacogdoches; and brother, Carl Yarbrough and wife, Amy of Monahans, Texas. She is also survived by her one and only nephew of whom she loved dearly, John “Bo” Yarbrough of Monahans, Texas and stepbrother, Ronnie Bush and wife, Karen of Nacogdoches and their daughters, Leslie and Lauren. She also leaves behind her special, lifelong friend, Tammy Miller Beard and husband Clay.

She is preceded in death by her grandparents, B. Freeman and Aletha Graham and John Calvin and Stella Yarbrough.

In lieu of flowers, the Yarbrough family requests donations be made in Karen’s memory to Nacogdoches Animal Shelter at 3211 SW Stallings Drive, Nacogdoches, Texas 75964 or to O’Malley Alley Cat Organization at 611 North Fredonia St., Nacogdoches, Texas 75961.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Karen Aletha Yarbrough, please visit our floral store.