Ms. Karen Sue LaFever Baker, age 59 of Sparta, passed away at 6:27pm on Thursday, November 27, 2025 in the Emergency Room of St. Thomas Highlands Hospital in Sparta.

Karen was born July 7, 1966 in Nashville, Tennessee. She was a former factory worker. Karen enjoyed being near water, whether river, lake or ocean. Karen is preceded in in death by her son Joseph Andrew Baker; mother Betty Sue Dulworth Hammock; father Harold Boyd LaFever and brother Ricky LaFever.

Surviving family members include her daughter Emily Baker

Son: Joshua Baker

Grandchildren: Brianna, McKenzie, Gracy and Waylon Gentry, Bentley and Mercedes Baker

Sisters: Stacey LaFever, Kimberly LaFever, Linda Fields, Pamela Howard

Sister and lifelong best friend Tammy Mitchell

A host of nieces and nephews also survive

The Baker family has entrusted Hunter Funeral Home with Karen's cremation and no public services are planned.