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Karen G. Shell
Karen G. Shell, 68, of Roan Mountain, Tenn., was reunited with her heavenly father on Saturday, August 28, 2021, with her loving husband and best friend “Rick” by her side. She was a beautiful woman inside and out and will truly be missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing her. She was the most genuine person you could ever meet.
Karen was born June 15, 1953 in Fort Smith, Ark., to her parents, Lewis “Bud” and Lamoine Gardner. She spent her first few years in Germany while her dad was stationed there until they moved back to Ohio where Janyce was born before moving back home to Roan Mountain, Tenn. Karen married the love of her life in January 1972.
Those left to cherish her memory are her two children, Julia Shell Puckett and husband Daniel of Asheville and Brent R. Shell and wife Amber of Roan Mountain. From their children they got to experience the sweet love of their six grandchildren, Makaylah Taylor and husband Kyle, Hayden Shell, Alissa and Levi Puckett and Maddie and Lily Shell. They all loved their momma very much. She cherished every minute with her grandchildren, they were the light of her life.
Others left to cherish her memory are her dear sister, Janyce G. Birchfield and husband Darrel; a special niece, Jennie B. Jarrett and husband Brach and their children, Izabella and Uriah; and her nephew, Clifton Birchfield and wife Kristin and their daughter, Magnolia. Many other special sisters, brothers-in-law, nieces and nephews and family friends also survive.
A funeral service to celebrate the life of Karen G. Shell will be conducted at 2 p.m. Thursday, September 2, at the Upper Shell Creek Christian Church. The family will receive friends at the church between the hours of 1 and 2 p.m. Thursday, prior to the service. The graveside service and committal will follow in the Perry Cemetery, Roan Mountain, with Pastor Tull Oaks and Pastor Terry Lyons officiating. Pallbearers will be Brent Shell, Hayden Shell, Kyle Taylor, Brian Shell, Michael Oliver, Clifton Birchfield, Darrell Birchfield and Brach Jarrett. Honorary pallbearers are Levi Puckett, Daniel Puckett and Uriah Jarrett. Those who prefer memorials in lieu of flowers may make donations to Alissa Little Way, P.O. Box 17954, Asheville, NC 28816. Make checks out to Alissa Puckett in care of Julie Puckett. Online condolences may be shared with the family and viewed on our website at www.hathawaypercy.com.
Hathaway-Percy Funeral and Cremation Services are honored to serve the Shell family. Office: (423) 543-5544.