Karen Arnold Broadway's Obituary
Karen Sue Arnold Broadway, 63, departed this world from Lakeland, FL and entered her heavenly home on March 7th, 2024. Karen was born October 24th, 1960 in Lakeland as the last of 5 children to her loving parents William "Bill" and Lillian J. Arnold. She was a lifelong member of West Lakeland Church of God. In addition to her parents and many special family members and friends, Karen was preceded in death by her big brother William (Barbara) Arnold Jr. Karen is survived by her former husband Douglas Broadway of Charlotte, NC and their sons Dougie and Daniel Broadway both of Lakeland, FL. Karen was also very excited by the imminent arrival of her first granddaughter Violet to Daniel and his fiance Stefani. Karen is also survived by brothers Troy (Diane) Arnold of Callahan, FL, John (Claudia) Arnold of Carolina Beach, NC, and David (Linda) Arnold of Lakeland, FL. Karen also loved being "Aunt Karen" to Tasha, Chris, John Lindsey, Davey, their families, and many nieces and nephews on the Broadway side of the family.
Karen grew up in Lakeland and graduated from Kathleen High School. She was active in cheerleading, played the clarinet in the Kathleen Red Devil Marching Band, and made many lifelong friends along the way. Karen spent the next part of her life in Charlotte, North Carolina where she met and married Doug. She enjoyed collecting and shopping for antiques. In early years, she worked in the insurance industry for Equitable. After Dougie and Daniel arrived, Karen shifted her focus to caring for and making a home for her boys. Karen loved her children fiercely and was very much a mama bear. She enjoyed taking adventures with the boys and her friend Jody, especially their trips to the Carowinds amusement park. Karen had a very special relationship with her mother throughout her life and showed how important family was by caring for and advocating for her mother when her health declined. In later years, Karen and her boys returned to her childhood home of Lakeland, FL. Karen enjoyed reconnecting with many of those lifelong friends including Teresa, Kathy, Susan, and Linda with way too many more to mention but all who she loved dearly. She enjoyed spending time with her family, friends, and especially her boys. She enjoyed fellowship and dinners out. She enjoyed learning about her family history, took pride in her southern heritage, and loved being a Lakeland native. While her family and friends will miss her terribly, they take comfort in knowing she is now in a place without pain and how wonderful the reunion must have been for Karen when she was met by the mother, father, and brother whom she had missed for so long.
A Celebration of Life is scheduled for the morning of Thursday, March 14th at City on a Hill Church, 1942 W. Memorial Blvd,
Lakeland, FL 33815. Visitation will be at 10am with services to follow at 11am, followed by procession and internment at Oak Hill Burial Park, 4620 US Hwy 98 S, Lakeland, FL 33812. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Karen's name to SPCA Florida or TLC Petsnip in Lakeland.
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