Karen Hayden Emerson was lifted by angels to her final resting place on December 19, 2023. She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend.

To know her was to love her and to feel loved. Her infectious smile and selfless nature endeared her to all that knew her. There was nothing better than being wrapped in one of her warm hugs or to be greeted by a "hey, sugar". She was joy personified. Always with a cheery disposition and the first to offer a word of encouragement or knowing compassion, she was pure goodness. Her eyes danced when she smiled and even more when she laughed. That smile was genuine and made you feel right at home. She was an angel on earth.  She loved Elvis Presley, the LSU Tigers, crawfish, and her fur babies. But more than anything she loved her family fiercely and whole heartedly. Her grandbabies were her pride and joy and her world as they affectionately called her Mammy. She was our number one fan, our cheerleader, our comfort, our home, our world. She will live on in our hearts forever.

Karen was born on June 25, 1954 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. She moved to Ruston in 1981 with her husband Rick and daughter Jenae. She retired from Louisiana Tech University's Comptroller's Office in 2013. But her lasting legacy is the love she gave to others. She is preceded in death by her father, Milbert "Smokey" Hayden; her mother, Myrtle Lee Hayden;  her grandmother Beatrice "Mama Bea" Wall; her father-in-law Howard Emerson; and brothers-in-law Tony Horton and Art Pope. She is survived by her husband, Rick Emerson; her daughter, Jenae Emerson Hollier; her son-in-law, Joe Hollier; her beloved grandchildren, Harry Hollier, Emy Bea Hollier, Joe Hollier, and Vivienne Hollier; her sister and brother-in-law, Terri and Ron Rogers; her mother-in-law Mary Catherine Emerson; her sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Cathy and Kent Pleasants, Tina Horton, and Mike Emerson, as well as many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

A memorial service will be will be held 2:00 PM, Sunday, January 14, 2023 at Trinity Methodist Chapel in Ruston, LA.

In lieu of flowers, you can make a donation to help with her final expenses at https://gofund.me/ecfa57cd.