Judge Karen Rowland Batten

Hickox – Judge Karen “Big Ma” Elaine Rowland Batten, 62, of Hickox passed away Monday afternoon (October 19, 2020) at Candler Hospital in Savannah after a brief illness.

Born in Fernandina Beach, FL her parents are Earl Rowland of Jesup and the late Geraldine “Jerry” Johnson Rowland. She is preceded in death by a brother, Roy Rowland.

Karen was the Brantley County Probate Judge and a member of Hickox Baptist Church. She loved her children and her grandbabies. Karen enjoyed music, dancing, reading and going to church. She also loved little league baseball and watching the Braves and Georgia Bulldogs play. If you knew her you loved her. She loved people and always had a smile on her face and laughing. Big Ma was loved by anyone who knew her and would help anyone in need.

Survivors include her husband, Danny Batten of Hickox, a son and daughter-in-law, Daniel & Mandy Batten of Hickox; a daughter, Caty McDaniel of Waycross; 4 grandchildren, Gabe Batten, Tate Batten, Judd McDaniel and Cayden McDaniel; her father and stepmother, Earl & Gladys Rowland of Jesup; 3 brothers and sisters-in-law, Willie Earl & Margaret Rowland, G.H. & Brenda Rowland and Buddy & Donna Rowland all of Fernandina Beach, FL; 2 sisters and brothers-in-law, Shirley & Kenny Taylor of Folkston and Peggy Dianne & Gary Cooper of South Carolina; a brother-in-law, Donald & Virginia Batten of Fernandina Beach, FL; and also several nieces, nephews, other relatives & a host friends.

Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, the family highly recommends wearing a mask and that you follow the rules for social distancing. Also, if anyone who does not feel comfortable with attending the services, the family understands and ask you to be in prayer for our loved ones.

A funeral service will be held Friday afternoon (October 23, 2020) at 2PM at Hickox Baptist Church with Rev. Jamie Giddens officiating. A viewing will be held 2 hours prior to the service starting at 12pm at Hickox Baptist Church.

Burial will follow in Bethlehem Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Justin Johns, Jarrett Johns, Donovan Johns, Caleb Giddens, Shane Batten, Kiel Rowland, Corey Wainright and Hardy Jo Crews.

Arrangements are with Frye Funeral Home, Nahunta.

Sympathy may be expressed by signing the online registry at www.fryefh.com.