Obituaries – Their Stories Live On

First Lady Karen Ruth 'Kay' Staples, 70, of Beckley died Saturday, April 21, 2018.

Born March 26, 1948, in Beckley, WV, she was the daughter of the late Robert and Elizabeth Deberry Hairston.

She was a member and First Lady of Mt. Zion Baptist Church, Beckley, worked as an art teacher for Raleigh County Schools and was a freelance artist.

Left to cherish precious memories are her husband, Rev. Nelson E. Staples III; son, Nelson (Susan) Staples IV of Beckley; daughters, Tracie Staples-Parker and Kristin (Ted) Staples-Anderson, both of Beckley and Saria Staples and Rhea (Kenneth) Hairston-Brown, both of Miami, FL; brothers, Robin (Beatrice) Hairston of Lester and Michael (Joan) Hairston of Logan; sister, Betty Anne (Billy) Hairston-Hammond of Rapid City, SD, twelve grandchildren; one great-grandchild and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Funeral service will be 12:00PM Friday, April 27, 2018 at Mt. Zion Baptist Church, 142 Mool Ave. Beckley, with Rev. Nelson Staples III officiating. Burial will follow in Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens, Prosperity.

Friends may call two hours prior to the service at the church.

Arrangements entrusted to Ritchie & Johnson Funeral Parlor, Beckley.