On Thursday, June 26, 2025, at 2:14 P.M., Karen Cogdell of Paducah, Kentucky, peacefully entered the arms of her Lord and Savior. At the time of her passing, Karen was 94 years, 3 months, and 17 days old.
Karen, the daughter of Dobie Springer, was born in Milan, Tennessee. Upon graduating from high school, she expanded her education at a local vocational school. After serving as a dedicated employee, she retired from the McCracken County Jail, where she worked for over 30 years as a jailer.
Karen was a people person. She loved serving the Lord and made it a point to take Jesus to work with her daily. Because of her heartfelt compassion for others, she often ministered to the inmates. She truly believed that everyone makes mistakes, and some mistakes don’t necessarily require incarceration. Another one of Karen’s passions was cooking. At one time, she owned a restaurant. Her memorable dishes included chicken and dumplings, dressing, and sweet potatoes.
Karen was a faithful member of Pilgrim Baptist Church, where she served as Superintendent of Sunday School, on the Mother’s Board, the Culinary Committee, and was considered the Matriarch of the church.
Preceding her in death were her spouse of 14 years, Sid Cogdell, her mother, Dobie Springer, a son, Dwayne Springer, and a daughter, LaWanda McKinney.
Left behind to treasure precious memories are One Son, Kenneth (Christean) Cogdell of Kevil, Kentucky; Three Grandchildren, Tarris McKinney, Chris McKinney, both of Paducah, Kentucky, and Stephanie (Ivan) Davis of Atlanta, Georgia; Eight Great Grandchildren, Zaria Prather, Tarris Prather, Trenton McKinney, Aiden Klope, Micah Klope, Atreayu George, Kaleesi McKinney, and Princeton McKinney; her Goddaughter, Reverend Henritta Owens, of Paducah, Kentucky, and Special Nieces, Tina Williams of Lavinia, Tennessee, and Patricia Allen of McKenzie, Tennessee.
Karen will be greatly missed by all those who knew and loved her.
Funeral services have been scheduled for Saturday, July 5, 2025, 12 Noon at Mt. Moriah Missionary Baptist Church with Reverend Henrietta Owens and Bishop Charles Dunbar officiating.
Burial will follow on Monday, July 7, 2025, 11:30 a.m. in Little Grove Cemetery in Lavinia, TN.
Family will receive friends Saturday at the church from 11:00 a.m. until the funeral hour.
