Karen Sue (Zielder) Whitehead

Karen Sue Whitehead, 69, of Herrin, passed away Thursday, May 29, 2025, at her home, surrounded by her family.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, May 31, 2025, at Riggin-Pillatsch & Burke Funeral Home, with Pastor Derek Finney officiating. Burial will be in Hillcrest Cemetery in Carterville. Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., Saturday, at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions can be made to Hospice of Southern Illinois.

Karen was born on January 20, 1956, in East St. Louis, Illinois, to Floyd and Iona Faye (Allen) Zielder.

She is survived by her sons, Darrin (Brandie) Sheppard and Jonathan Whitehead; grandchildren, Rance Sprowls, Landen Sprowls, Zathen Sprowls, Deegan Horton, Dillion Emery, Dalton Emery, and Madison Emery; great-granddaughter, Autumn Walters; sister, Donna (Randy) Hammonds; plus many nieces and nephews, whom she loved dearly.

Karen was preceded in death by her parents, and sisters, Sharon Samples and Madeline (Jim) Owens.

She worked for over 28 years on the assembly line at Maytag and later served others as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) following the plant’s closure.

A devoted member of Love and Truth Church in Crainville, Karen was known for her generosity, warm spirit, and green thumb. She found joy in gardening, shopping, and spending time with her family.

Karen's kindness and selfless nature touched many lives, and her memory will be cherished by all who knew and loved her.

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