Karen Kay Gibson Whitmire

Karen Kay Gibson Whitmire, 82, of Mt. Vernon, passed away Saturday, March 12, 2022, at her home. She was born Oct. 27, 1939, in Aurora, the daughter of Orville (Buddy) and Vesta (Jaqua) Gibson.
Whitmire grew up in Aurora and graduated from Aurora High School in 1957. She was a cheerleader and was involved in various community organizations. She received her bachelor’s degree in special education from Southwest Missouri State University in Springfield. She worked part-time in Mt. Vernon Schools and other local districts for several years. Whitmire also worked as an adult basic education teacher.
She married Jerry T. Whitmire on May 23, 1958, in Aurora.
Whitmire is survived by her husband of 63 years, Jerry; her children, Kima Bekemier (Rick), and David Whitmire (Michelle), all of Mt. Vernon and five grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Buddy, and Vesta; her sister, Cheryl Gibson and her daughter, Pamela Whitmire.
The family will hold a private graveside service at Maple Park Cemetery in Aurora at a later date. Arrangements are under the direction of the Fossett-Mosher Funeral Home in Mt. Vernon.
Memorial donations may be made payable to the Aurora Library (Barry-Lawrence County Library), in care of the funeral home.
Online condolences may be shared at www.FossettMosherFuneralHome.com.