Karen 'Kay' Lucille Staples, 66, of Laurel, MS, graduated from her earthly home to join Jesus on October 22 at Forrest General Hospital.  Born on October 12, 1958, this woman of God, beloved wife, mother, and grandmother was the rock of her family and a cherished member of the Pine Belt community.  The family praises God for honoring her favorite time of year (the fall) and her "world of Octobers."

Kay is survived by her immediate family in Sam ("Sammy Lynn"), her high school sweetheart, whom she married 47 years ago after he finally got the courage to talk to her at the Laurel McDonald's; her loving son Jonathan who has her same wavy locks and who, along with his wife Hope ("Hopie"), quickly became Kay's favorites as they produced 2 beautiful grandchildren for "Kay Kay" (Jon Caleb and Sydney, the sweetest little boy and girl in the world); her daughter, Rebekah, to whom she instilled the great importance of ironed clothes, clean underwear, and wearing lipstick and earrings at all times; and will be missed by scores of animals like Bonnie, Teddy, Gus, Gabby, and Tessa whom she rescued.

Kay was preceded in death by her mother, Helen Pitts Holder.  She is survived by her beloved Memaw, Rachel O'Loughlin; her father Bernice Herrington and his wife Patsy; and her siblings, Jeff Herrington and his wife Sheila; Ray Herrington; Sandra Smith and her husband Clifford; Dean Parker and his wife Cat; and Summer Jo Demers and her husband Chris.

Visitation will be held on Friday, October 25, 2024, from 10:00 AM until 12:00 PM at Grace Covenant Church in Ellisville, MS. Funeral services will follow at 12:00 PM at the same location, with burial at Myrick Cemetery in Laurel, Mississippi. Pastor Glenn Mcelhenny will officiate the services. Ellisville Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.

Pallbearers are Chad Herrington, Garrick Staples, Grant Staples, Kevin Davis, Jerod Staples, and Jacob Staples. Honorary pallbearers include Justin Malone, Heath Ishee, Tim Harper, and David Morgan.  An online guestbook is available at www.ellisvillefuneralhome.com.  Friends and family are encouraged to, as Kay would say, "have personality" by wearing bright colors in celebration of her life (animal print optional). Friends may send a donation to Grace International World Outreach in lieu of flowers at www.giwo.org.

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." John 3:16