Karen Atchley Obituary

Karen Joanne White Atchley, age 79, of Sheridan, went to be with the Lord on July 11, 2025, after a short battle with Multiple Myeloma. She was born December 6, 1945, and was the fifth child of the late David Newton and Wilma Beatrice Carr White. Karen graduated from Sheridan High School, where she served as Secretary of the class of 1963 and was a Daughter of the American Revolution Good Citizen Awardee. After graduation, she attended Henderson State Teachers College where she obtained an Associate degree in Secretarial Science and was a member of Sigma Sigma Sigma sorority and Phi Beta Lambda business majors club. She worked at Weyerhaeuser Company for several years as a secretary and retired from the U.S. Postal Service after 20 years as a rural mail carrier. She also assisted her husband Bill for 20 years in their business, B & K Atchley Trucking Company. Karen was a member of Meadowview Baptist Church, where she loved singing in the choir, and a member of Sheridan Chapter #212 Order of the Eastern Star. She loved serving in her community, was a former member of the Grant County Fair Board, and more recently volunteered her time as a poll worker during the election season. Karen loved her God and could often be found studying Gods word, writing down scripture, and listening to the Gaither’s Gospel singing. Karen also had a huge heart for animals. If a stray happened upon her doorstep, she immediately adopted it as one of her own and gave it tender love and care. She also had a love for plants and flowers, was most proud of her confederate roses, and was so excited to watch them bloom each year. Karen’s greatest blessings were her 7 grandchildren, whom she loved dearly.

She and her husband of 46 years, Billie “Bill” Jerril Atchley, were inseparable until his death in 2011. In their early years, they enjoyed square dancing together and spending time on the lake in their boats that Bill affectionally named “Karen.” In fact, the fourth boat that they owned, and made many family memories in, was named Karen IV.

In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her sisters, Helen Corley and Louise Lee. She is survived by her daughter, Tracita “Traci” Caldarera (Tom), of Fort Smith; son, Jerry Atchley (Michelle), of Hensley; five grandsons, Jarrett Atchley, as well as Tommy, Eli, Ian, and Atticus Caldarera; two granddaughters, Karis Caldarera and Jacie Atchley; two sisters, Ruth Venable and Linda Melnick (Peter); a brother, Newton White (Linda); and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends.

Pallbearers will be her grandsons, as well as Denton Bell and Randy Sebourn. Visitation will be prior to the service from 10:00 A.M. until 11:00 A.M. Funeral service will be 11:00 A.M, Saturday, July 19, 2025 at Buie Funeral Home in Sheridan, Arkansas with Brother Micah McKinley officiating. Interment will follow the service at Center Grove Cemetery.

Her children would like to thank the Nurses and Staff of Heart of Hospice, Covington Court Health and Rehabilitation, Encompass Rehabilitation, and Amedisys Home Health. Specifically, Dr. Holly Jennings and nurse Jennifer Shelby. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Meadowview Baptist Church, 9914 Hwy 270 East, Sheridan, AR 72150.