Karen Pappas Embry

Karen Pappas Embry, 63, passed away on June 19, 2020. She was born in Dickson, Tennessee on November 14, 1956. She was predeceased by her father, T. G. Pappas. She is survived by her mother, Annette "Jane" Pappas, two sons, Jackson and Alex, daughter-in-law Kayla Embry, Jack Embry, five sisters: Jenny Breeden (Ken), Celeste Jones (Curt), Harriet Pappas (Ken Horii), Stephenie Joyner (Barrett) and Eva Cederholm (Geoff), her “extra sister”, Christie Gregory, several nieces and nephews, one great-nephew, one aunt, and many cousins.

Karen was a retired teacher, and she taught for over 30 years, first at Waverly Elementary, then in the Memphis City School System, and later in Williamson County, Tennessee. At the age of 18, Karen decided to become an educator, a decision that guided her studies throughout college. She graduated from Memphis State University and began her career at Raleigh Egypt Elementary.

Karen's personality was infectious and her laugh, contagious. Growing up as the fifth daughter of six sisters, she loved to admit she never missed an opportunity to be mischievous. She was joyous and courageous. Karen held an unwavering love for her two boys and devoted herself to the health and happiness of her family.

She possessed a passion for art and a love for children which was a large part of why she chose to become a teacher. She always felt that if she had a positive impact on just one student, then her career choice was worth it.

A private graveside service was held on Saturday, June 27, 2020 in Nashville, Tennessee.

In lieu of flowers, please feel free to donate to one of the below charities in Karen’s name.

PENCIL

Link: https://www.pencilforschools.org/

At PENCIL, we believe that public education is everyone's business. Your donation means more Literacy Partners working one-on-one with struggling readers, more school supplies reaching Metro teachers through the LP PENCIL Box and more PENCIL Partners bringing career exposure and mentorship to high school students.

Midsouth Food Bank

Link: https://www.midsouthfoodbank.org/

Our Mission is to change lives by eliminating hunger in the Mid-South. By providing food for families, children and seniors, we impact their lives by solving one of the biggest struggles they face: getting enough nutritious food to eat to live a healthy life.