Karen Sue Waddell

Don't You Cry for Me, I'm Shouting in Glory- "Don't you cry for me, beloved, don't you hang your head in sorrow—for I've traded every trial here for a bright and better tomorrow. I laid this body down in faith, and rose in victory's song—for Jesus called my name in love, and said, "Child, you've waited long." I'm shouting on the streets of gold, where the weary never tire I'm running free, I'm dancing now, I'm singing in a heavenly choir. So don't you mourn like I am gone, or lost beyond your reach—for I'm alive in Him forever, more than any tongue can preach. Keep praising through the heartache, keep trusting through the night—for we will meet again one day, in that land where faith is sight. So lift your hands in worship, and thank God for setting me free—for I'm rejoicing with the angels now—so don't you cry for me."

Karen Sue Waddell, 62, of Crab Orchard, West Virginia, entered the gates of glory on Monday, December 1, 2025, after a short battle with cancer.

She joined in marriage with her loving husband, Billy Waddell, Jr., in 1993, making 32 years of memories together. Karen and Pastor Billy were devoted members of Harper Freedom Church, where she faithfully lifted her voice in praise and sang with joy and love to her Savior, Jesus Christ. She loved to sing and share the Word of God every chance she had.

Karen served the community of Princeton at PCH as a Respiratory Therapist for 20 years, where she met her best friend, Michelle Haynes. Continuing her calling to care for others, she later became a caregiver to many, with whom she formed deep and loving bonds.

Karen's hobbies included shopping, cooking, spending time with her loved ones and friends, and unintentionally making people laugh. She especially cherished being a great-aunt to her niece and nephews: Landrey, Parker, and Koen.

She is preceded in death by her mother, Nina I. Cook; father, Jimmy D. Cook; brother, Lawrence "Larry" Cook; grandson, James Harper; many cousins; and her beloved sisters-in-law.

Karen is survived by her husband, Billy Waddell, Jr.; sister, Lynette Thompson; son, Chris Waddell and his wife, Tanya; grandchildren, Ethan, Lucas, and Isabella; James Harper's wife Gabriella and their daughter, Elliana; nephew, Seth Thompson and his wife, Makenzie, and their children Parker and Landrey; niece, Sarah Thompson and her partner Treasure Triplett and their son, Koen.

She was a wife, mother, aunt, grandmother, naynay, and great-grandmother, whose love, laughter, and faith touched the lives of everyone she met.

Her voice has now joined heaven's choir, worshiping before the throne of God, made whole and full of joy unspeakable.

Funeral services will be conducted to Celebrate the Life of Karen Waddell on Monday, December 8, 2025 at the Amos E. Quesenberry Peace Chapel of Rose and Quesenberry Funeral Home, Beckley, WV, at 1 PM with her husband, Pastor Billy Waddell Jr. and her son Rev. Chris Waddell officiating. Friends may visit with the family from 11 AM until service time on Monday at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Sunset Memorial Park in Beckley, WV.

Family and friends will serve as pallbearers.

Private online condolences and other expressions of sympathy may be directed to the family via our guestbook at www.roseandquesenberry.net

Arrangements are by Rose and Quesenberry Funeral Home, 1901 South Kanawha Street, Beckley, WV.