WILLIAMS, Karen Zereta

Eastern Arizona Courier, Safford, AZ Wednesday, May 25, 2005 Funeral services for Karen Zereta Williams, who passed away May 2, 2005, were held Saturday, May 14, 2005, at the Safford Stake Center with Bishop David Player officiating. The family prayer was given by Bishop Bernie Elicio, with Cheryl Nelson at the organ and Kathleen Williams as chorister. The opening hymn, "O My Father," was sung by the congregation, with Brent Beals giving the invocation, after which the Safford High School choir sang "The King of Love My Shepherd Is," directed by Dee Wilkins, with Toni Lutz accompanying. George Hom gave the life story, followed by a special number by the SHS choir, "My Shepherd Will Supply My Need," followed by Neal Elmer giving the sermon. The congregation sang "Families can be Together Forever," with Brian Smith giving the benediction. Concluding services were held at Hubbard Cemetery with Karen's friends singing "Together Forever Someday," followed by Glyn Williams giving the dedicatory prayer. Karen was born Dec. 30, 1989, to Arlo Lee and Nancy Reta Williams. She was their fifth child and third daughter. Karen attended the Safford schools and was a freshman at Safford High School, where she was a member of the Safford High choir. She was a Mia Maid in the Young Women's program in the Safford fourth ward. Karen was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and was a freshman in the Seminary program, where she was studying the New Testament. Her seminary teacher, Brother Patrick, has indicated that Karen was the "perfect seminary student." She hated hypocrisy and looked to find honest people. She had a testimony of Jesus Christ that came by reading the Scriptures every day. The Safford Arizona Stake "Stake President's Award" will be given posthumously to Karen and accepted by her parents on Karen's behalf at a later date this spring. This award entails many facets: 1. Take and pass with a perfect score "The Ultimate Scripture Master Exam." 2. Read all of the assigned New Testament chapters. 3. Read President Hinck-ley's address to the youth: "A Prophet's Counsel and Prayer for Youth." 4. Do each of the following: Be grateful, be smart, be clean, be true, be humble, be prayerful. Karen is survived by her parents, Arlo and Nancy; sisters Katerine, (Tucson), Amanda (Patrick) Poeling, and KaLynn; brothers, Aaron and Nathan; and niece Caidin Poeling, all of Safford; her grandparents, Glyn and VeNeice Williams and Jay Carl and Edith Larae Higgins of Safford. She is also survived by many uncles, aunts, cousins and many friends. A memorial fund has been established for the Arlo Williams Family at the National Bank in Safford.