Karen Leigh Smith

Karen Leigh Smith (Loughridge), 78, of Covington, Louisiana, passed away on October 16, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family.

Born on April 16, 1948, in Fredericksburg, Virginia, Karen was the daughter of the late Charlie Collier Loughridge and Margaret Slate Loughridge. She grew up in Fredericksburg, where her life's journey began, eventually taking her to Johnson City, Tennessee; Bullhead City and Tucson, Arizona; and finally Covington, Louisiana.

Karen had a passion for education and helping others. She earned her Bachelor's Degree in Education from East Tennessee State University and later pursued her Master's Degree in Counseling from the University of Phoenix. Throughout her professional life, she dedicated herself to teaching and healthcare counseling, touching the lives of others through her knowledge, compassion, and willingness to help.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Karen's greatest joy came from the simple pleasures of life: spending time with her family, preparing meals for those she loved, enjoying the companionship of her dogs, and sharing laughter with the people around her. Her time living with Britany and Joe in Louisiana gave her the opportunity to share everyday moments with her daughter, strengthening a special bond built on love, laughter, and the comfort of being together.

Karen was a woman of remarkable strength and character. Strong-willed yet kind, wise yet wonderfully funny, she had a warm heart and a contagious laugh that could brighten any room. She was always willing to lend a helping hand, offer advice, or share a moment of humor. Those fortunate enough to know her will remember her loving nature, her unmistakable personality, and her encouraging words, "You're a ROCKSTAR!"

Karen is survived by her loving children, Zachary Lee Smith and his wife, Katie Jo, and Britany Leigh Zuniga and her husband, Joe; her cherished grandchildren, Derek Moses, Canyon Smith, and Kaia Smith; her brothers, Charlie Douglas Loughridge and his wife, Judy, and William Earl Loughridge and his wife, Patty; and her longtime family members, Edward Lee Smith and his wife, Cecilia, with whom she maintained a close and lasting bond.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Charlie Collier and Margaret Slate Loughridge, and her former husband, Jack Smith.

Karen's legacy lives on in the love she gave, the wisdom she shared, and the laughter she brought into the lives of those around her. Though she will be deeply missed, her family will forever cherish the memories, lessons, and special moments that made her such an unforgettable part of their lives.

"The world changes from year to year, our lives from day to day, but the love and memory of you shall never pass away."— Unknown

Forever loved, forever remembered, and forever our ROCKSTAR.