Dr. Karen Edwina Goss

Dr. Karen Goss, age 68, entered heaven on Sunday morning, October 14, after a courageous battle with breast cancer. First and foremost, Karen was a Christian who loved the Lord. She was a wonderful wife, mother, and “Nana” who cared dearly for and fiercely protected her family. She was a member of the Paul Pickens class at Sevier Heights Baptist Church and a 20+ year member of her loving “Prayer Moms” group.

Karen was an accomplished medical practitioner, researcher, and professor. She received a B.S. in Physical Therapy from Georgia State University, a M.S. in Anatomy from Ohio State University, and a Ph.D. in Comparative and Experimental Medicine from the University of Tennessee-Knoxville. Her special interest was children with disabilities. Karen worked at UT’s Developmental and Genetics Center, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, and Professional Project Services; helped establish Physical Therapy degree programs at UT Chattanooga, East Tennessee State University, and South College; and retired as head of the Health Sciences Department of South College in 2015. She volunteered for and served on the Boards of several local community and charitable organizations.

Karen was born in LaFayette, GA, the daughter of the late Ed and Ethel Cross of Cedar Grove, GA, and is survived by her husband, Dr. L. Barry Goss; daughter, Dr. Laura Asbury Cooper and son-in-law, Alan Cooper; son, Jason Goss; grandsons and granddaughters, Landon and Cooper Asbury, Kate and Mattie Cooper; and special caregiver, Banjo. She also leaves several aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews. She left this world knowing that she would be joined by her family in heaven for eternity.

The family will receive friends in the Chapel of Berry Highland West, 9913 Sherrill Blvd. Knoxville, TN 37932, from 3:00 -7:00 pm on Thursday, October 18. Family and friends will meet at Hamilton Memorial Gardens, Sunday, October 21, 2018 for a 2:00 pm graveside service. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at Sevier Heights Baptist Church at a later date to be announced. In lieu of flowers, remembrances of Karen can be made to Choices Resource Center, KARM, Reach Beyond, One Vision, or Smokey Mountain Animal Foundation. Condolences may be offered at www.berryhighlandwest.com