Karen Jean Woody Bonner

 Karen Jean Woody Bonner, 74, of Poolville, Texas, passed away on January 6, 2026. Karen was born in Dallas, Texas, and was the youngest daughter of Dolores “Dee” and W.A. Woody of Weatherford, Texas.

 Born and raised in the Metroplex, Karen attended L.D. Bell High School in Hurst and was a member of the Raiderettes drill team. She graduated with a degree in education from Texas Tech University, where she became a member of the Delta Gamma sorority.

 Karen married her high school sweetheart, Miller Bonner, Jr., also a Texas Tech graduate, in 1972. Miller and Karen welcomed daughters Stephanie in 1976 and Valerie in 1977. They spent years living outside of Texas for Miller’s career (Georgia, California, Washington, D.C., Connecticut, Northern Virginia, and New York) before settling in Central Texas in the early 1990s. After Miller’s death in 2003, Karen relocated to Poolville.

 In 2004, she began teaching Texas History at Peaster Middle School and attending North Side Baptist Church in Weatherford. The Texas Education Service selected her as Teacher of the Year in 2017. She retired from teaching in 2021. Karen remained active in North Side Baptist Church, attending Sunday School and Bible studies weekly. Karen’s faith quietly anchored all aspects of her life.

 Karen was also quick to laugh, wonderfully silly, and extremely fun-loving. Her bright personality served her well as a teacher in the classroom and far beyond. She counted her marriage, children, and her granddaughter among her greatest treasures.

 Karen was preceded in death by her parents, Dee and W.A. Woody, and her husband, Miller Bonner, Jr. She is survived by her children, Stephanie Bonner of Poolville, and Valerie Bonner Hanks of Savannah, Georgia; granddaughter, Hazel Hanks; sister, Nancy Woody Johnson of Sachse, Texas; and brother, Craig Woody of Poolville.

 Karen’s memorial service will take place on January 15, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at North Side Baptist Church in Weatherford. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Miller Bonner Scholarship Endowment at Texas Tech University.

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