Karen Diane Smith

Karen Diane Smith, age 79, of Enterprise, Alabama, went home to be with the Lord on December 29, 2025, at Enterprise Medical Center while surrounded by her loving family. Born on October 9, 1946, to the late Otto and Elizabeth Schaefer, Karen’s life was a radiant testament to unwavering faith, relentless love, and devoted service to others.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Otto and Elizabeth Schaefer, her brothers, Arnold and Otto Schaefer Jr., as well as her great-grandchild, Gabriel Hundley. 

She is survived by her devoted husband of 60 years, William (Bill) Smith; her loving children, Chantal Byrd (Jeff) of Enterprise, AL, Bridget Hundley (David) of Enterprise, AL, and Matthew Smith (Julie) of Cullman, AL, as well as her adored grandchildren, Kristin Fall (Matt), Christopher Byrd (Amber), Nicholas Byrd (Kristina), Brittney Luker (Tate), Seth Hundley (Katrina), Spencer Smith and Skyler Smith. She cherished her role as a great-grandmother to Owen Fall, Abraham Fall, Wallace Fall, Lucy Claire Fall, Asher Byrd, Silas Byrd, Nixon Byrd, Braxton Byrd, Elizabeth Grace Luker, Elijah Luker, Ezra Luker, Piper Hundley, Barrett Hundley, and Pia Clare Hundley. 

Karen’s legacy extends far beyond her family; she was a dedicated educator who graduated MAGNA CUM LAUDE from Troy University in 1985 with a bachelor’s in education while raising three children and serving as her father’s caregiver. For 23 years, she taught 2 nd and 4 th grades at Rucker Blvd Elementary School, leaving an incredible mark on countless young minds. Her patience and dedication inspired her students, instilling a love for learning that would shape their futures.

She not only taught wholeheartedly in her classroom but also volunteered to help several children learn English as a second language after school hours. Through her efforts, she transformed the lives of many children, empowering them to overcome barriers and succeed academically. After retiring, she continued teaching her grandchildren and great-grandchildren how to read before kindergarten. She also invested her life in children at her church, where she taught children’s Sunday school and joyfully volunteered for Vacation Bible School each summer. Through her selfless service, she helped nurture the faith of a new generation, fostering a sense of belonging and spiritual growth among the children she taught.

Known for her nurturing spirit, Karen had a passion for growing beautiful flowers, meticulously decorating her lovely home, and cooking delicious meals for those she loved. Her humble demeanor reflected the depth of her faithful servant’s heart. Karen believed in the transformative power of love and service, reflecting the compassionate nature of Christ in all she did. She truly lived out the biblical principle of Philippians 2:3-4, “Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.” Karen’s legacy of love, faith, and service to others will forever live on in the hearts of those she touched, inspiring us all to reflect Christ's compassion in our own lives.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, December 31, 2025, at 11:00 AM in the chapel of Sorrells Funeral Home & Crematory in Enterprise, with Dr. Matthew W. Smith and Dr. Sonny Moore officiating. Burial will follow at Meadowlawn Cemetery in Enterprise with Sorrells Funeral Home & Crematory of Enterprise directing. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 10:00 AM until service time.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the First Responders Foundation of Alabama, 11113 rd St. SE, Cullman, AL 35055.