Memorial services for Karen Lajuan Durand Thompson will be held at 6:00 p.m. on Friday, June 3, 2016 at the Chapel of Gallagher Funeral Home, Ball, Louisiana with the Reverend Kevin Simmons officiating, under the direction of Gallagher Funeral Home and Crematory, Ball, Louisiana.

Karen, age 50, of Pollock, Louisiana, entered eternal rest on Tuesday, May 31, 2016 at Rapides Regional Medical Center in Alexandria, Louisiana.

Although Karen was small in frame, she possessed a huge spirit. She loved the Lord and had such hope and faith, even during some of life’s toughest moments. She had a huge love of family that extended far beyond her immediate family of Mitch, Skylar and Tylor to include her vast extended family, as well.
Karen was the organizer of our family gatherings. She was quite a good cook and her chicken and dumplings were always a hit. She tried to include everyone as she loved nothing better than for all of us to enjoy time together. She was close to so many of our cousins and tried to stay in contact with as many as she could to keep the family bonded. She anticipated these family events with so much joy and always managed to wring every bit of fun she could from these precious times.
Karen was witty and funny and could have us rolling with laughter with her comments and antics. She enjoyed simple pleasures in life and could laugh readily at herself. Karen made friends easily and thoroughly enjoyed spending time with them. She was spontaneous and always up for an adventure, even if it was just a trip to Wal Mart in the middle of the night. Tylor has fond memories of these spontaneous outings with his mother and will miss his talks with her most of all. Karen especially loved to ride her horses on a beautiful day, which is a joy she shared with her beloved Skylar. Her church was the great outdoors on many days.
Karen was a champion of many family members and friends. She had a heart for the hurts and needs of others. She never hesitated to shelter and care for a child or a family in need. Karen greatly assisted in the upbringing of several precious nieces and nephews and had moved on to the great-nieces and nephews. Her help to our mother, Eloise, was invaluable and the two of them shared such a special bond. Karen was the ‘go to’ girl for many of us for a listening ear, a cheering up, a cheering on, or just a kick in the pants when necessary.

She is preceded in death by her father, Dell Sydney Durand, Jr.; step-father,
Louis Phillips.

She is survived by her loving husband of 31 years, Mitchell Thompson of Pollock; mother Grace Eloise Phillips of Pollock; son, Tylor Chase Thompson of Pollock; daughter, Skylar McKenzie Thompson of Pollock; three brothers, Dell “Randy” Sydney Durand, III (Donna) of Georgetown, Brian Keith Durand of Pollock and Darian Stuart Durand (Jessica) of Pollock; two sisters, Darla Sherie Peavy (Robert) of Pollock and Lori Janeen Geiger (John) of Alexandria; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Friends may call at Gallagher Funeral Home, Ball, Louisiana on Friday, June 3, 2016 from 5:00 p.m. until time of service.

Friends may post online messages of condolence for the Thompson family by visiting www.gallagherfh.com.