Karen Kaye Smith, 54, of Denton, Texas, passed away on May 11, 2025. She was born in Odessa, Texas, on September 28, 1970, to Johnny and Carmen Ward.

Karen was a mother, a wife, a teacher, a sister, and a daughter. Karen was these things and more. She dedicated her life to her children and the children of others. She spent her life teaching others to be kind. She found the joy in the smallest things and wanted the best for everyone around her. Her favorite things were music, hammocks, her cats, and art. She was a kid at heart and never lost her sense of wonder with the world. She was creative, funny, intelligent, and most importantly she was kind. She will be missed by everyone who knew her and remembered by every life she touched.

Karen is survived by her husband, Tyson Smith daughters, Kelly Smith, Laney Smith, son, Cody Smith of Denton, Texas, her mother and father, and brother, Buddy Ward and his wife Julia.

The family will receive friends on Monday, May 19, 2025, from 5 PM until 7 PM at DeBerry Funeral Directors in Denton, Texas.
Funeral Services will be held in the Chapel of DeBerry Funeral Directors, on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, at 10:00 AM.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to the Denton Public School Foundation to allow funding for books to continue her work in childhood education.