On Thursday morning, March 17, 1955, Karen Pruitt was born to Wilbert Lamerson, Sr. and Loretta Pruitt; but was lovingly raised by her stepfather Louis Clark Jr. Karen grew up with four of her brothers and one sister and she was the oldest (aka the boss). Karen had a deep love for family! Her love extended from immediate to extended family and community. Although Karen had an introverted personality, many people enjoyed her company. When interacting with Karen, you were guaranteed to get the real Karen, especially if you woke her up too early! She had many strong character traits: her caring spirit, her giving heart, her honesty, her loyalty, her matter-of-fact communication style, and her stubborn attitude. Karen was smart, simple, and sweet. Karen was a learner who wasn't afraid to try different things as long as it challenged her thinking. She soared in math and science. In 1973, she received her high school diploma from Scotlandville High School. Three years later, Karen achieved her Bachelor of Science at Southern University with a concentration in Mathematics on December 17, 1976. During her last year in college, Karen began to build a family with Jimmie Marvin Baker. They married on March 22, 1975, and from their union had two beloved children: Marvin Terrell Baker and Janaria DeJuan (Baker) Jackson. Mrs. Karen Baker enjoyed motherhood and was elated to become a proud grandmother to three precious grandchildren: Clarence (CJ) Jackson, III, Terrell Marvin (Melo) Baker, and Jalaysia (Laylay) Jackson. She spent her time nurturing and spoiling her babies. There was nothing she wouldn't do to help and encourage them. On most days, it was common to find Karen and the grandchildren together. Karen's love didn't stop with her immediate family, it flowed over to her extended family. She and Jimmie would regularly drive to New Orleans to check in and care for a sick elderly family member. She would lend a helping hand to those in Baton Rouge and supported the families throughout the states. When family members visited Baton Rouge, Karen's family would host some of the best gatherings. In each setting, you would witness Karen engaging in a few of her interests: sports, cooking, and video games. Watching sports with Karen was enjoyable as you would get the opportunity to see her competitive side. Karen had a love and passion for cooking and you could taste it in every bite whether it was an appetizer, entree', or a dessert. Her food was seasoned with love and cooked with care. Once everyone was full, she would quietly slip away to her recliner chair to play video games that challenged her mind. Obituary Karen's life revolved around family, as evident by the fact that her best friend was her sister Vanessa. When the family learned that Karen was in trouble at school, we were all shocked. As the details unfolded, we learned that Vanessa was jumped by some girls and Karen behaved as a big sister would and finished the fight. Her love for family caused Karen to act out of her disposition, which was to stay free from trouble. Raised in the church from her youth, Karen understood the consequences of sin. In her teen years, she accepted Jesus as her Lord and Savior and was baptized with sister Vanessa in the Name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Karen participated in Sunday School and youth choir. She continued her fellowship with God throughout her life. As Karen was building her family, she began her employment journey at Bell South and then transitioned to Dotty Center. She worked for each company for over five years as a Switchboard Operator. Karen's introverted personality caused her to choose positions that involved few people. Karen liked to try different things so she went from clerical to safety. She accepted a position as a Security Guard for four years at the RiverBend Nuclear Plant. Shortly aterward, Karen was employed by Georgia Pacific where she worked as a Machine Operator for over sixteen years. She then retired for a year, which was her longest period of unemployment, before she sought work at Earl K Long Hospital as an Admission Coordinator where she worked until she was diagnosed with renal disease. Karen was resilient and courageous. She battled for years on perineal dialysis and on Thursday, May 27, 2021, she finished her fight. Karen was preceded in death by her parents; Wilbert Lamerson, Sr., Louis Clark, Jr, and Loretta Clark. Her brothers Reginald Jones, Broderick Pruitt, and Kevin Clark. Sisters Vanessa Gorham, and Cassandra Clark. Paternal grandparents Amos and Francis Lamerson, and maternal grandparents Henry and Fannie Pruitt. Her sisters-in-law Rose Stewart. She leaves to cherish her memories, husband: Jimmie Baker; son: Marvin Baker, and daughter: Janaria Jackson (Clarence, Jr.). Grandchildren: Clarence Jackson, III, Terrell Baker, and Jalaysia Jackson. Brothers: Jeffery Clark (Le'Shune) of Oxnard, CA; Vincent Clark (Vanessa) of Denham Springs, LA; Wilbert Lamerson, Jr., Michael Lamerson (Dawanda) both of Baton Rouge, LA. Sisters: Debra Batiste, Linda Jackson both of Baton Rouge, LA; Debra Jackson of Houston, TX. Brother-in-law: Donald Baker (Kay) of Fontana, CA, Donald Stewart of Baton Rouge, LA and Terrence Mckneely (Cynthia) of Zachary, LA. Sisters-in-law: Mary Jones, and Carolyn Winters both of Baton Rouge, LA. Her Aunt: Ernestine Pruitt of Minneapolis, MN. Also, she leaves nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.