Karen Kay Young-Thomas

Karen Kay Young-Thomas, 59, of Johnson City, passed away Tuesday, August 18, 2015 at her home. Karen was a native of Johnson City. She was a daughter of Charlie and Bettie Gilley. She was of the Baptist faith and was a member of University Parkway Baptist Church. Karen was an avid reader and also enjoyed music. She was a very loving person and never ended a conversation without saying ?I love you.' She had a heart of gold and will be very deeply missed by her family and friends. She was preceded in death by: maternal grandparents, Laura and Robert Owens; paternal grandparents, Lillian and Tilman Gilley; grandmother, Minnie B. Young; and aunt, Brenda Dunn. In addition to her parents, survivors include: daughter, Kayla Thomas; four siblings, Lisa Williams and her husband Randy, Chuck Gilley, Kim Curtis and her husband Steve, and Laura Chandley and her husband Jeff; special niece, Paige Hobbs; and several other special nieces, nephews, aunts, and uncles. The family of Karen Kay Young-Thomas will receive friends from 12:30 pm until 2 pm Saturday, August 22, 2015 in the Morris-Baker Dogwood Chapel. The funeral service will follow at 2 pm Saturday in the chapel. Pastor Joey Murdock will officiate. Mr. Gil Moody will provide special music. Family and friends will then proceed to Monte Vista Memorial Park for a 3 pm graveside service. Active pallbearers will be: Chuck Gilley, Gary Lady, Steve Curtis, Ronnie Hobbs, and Jeff Chandley. Honorary pallbearers are: Dr. Kenneth Weaver, Ross W. Abel, and Timmy Abel. For those who wish, memorial donations may be made to: St. Jude Children?s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.