She was born April 25, 1952 in Hammond, Indiana.
Karen graduated from Chattanooga State in 1989 as an RN. She worked at Northpark Hospital and several other fields of nursing before becoming the director of House Calls, a home health agency.
She started at Genex in 1998, and then transferred to Unum and worked there for 18 years.
Karen was a member of New Haven Baptist Church for 34 years. She had been a faithful member of Victory Baptist (Jasper) until the time of her death.
Her father, Howard G. Sawyer and sister, Denise Howard preceded her in death.
Survivors are her loving husband of 32 years, Roger D. York; her son, Nate (Ashley); the light of her life and daily inspirations, her grandsons, Mason & Hayden York all of Ringgold; mother, Jo Ann Sawyer; sister, Ronetta LaGuardia; brother, Kelton (Karen) Sawyer; brother-in-law, Butch Howard; her special niece, Amrey, and nephews Louis, Aaron, & Edward all of Chattanooga; also many great-nieces and nephews; and her York family, who she loved very much.
Karen left an impact on all who met her because of her love of life, her positive attitude, her sense of humor, her ability to make everyone feel special, and her beauty (inside and out).
Her favorite things were going to the beach, fishing with her husband, going on outings with Mason & Hayden, special occasions and holidays with her family, her beloved dachshund, CoCo, worshipping and serving at her church, and going to gospel singing events.
The family will receive friends Friday, September 17, 2021 from 12:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. with the funeral service beginning at 2:30 p.m. at the North Chapel with Rev. Bill Broom and Rev. Mike Graham officiating.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Union Gospel Mission, (124 Signal Hills Dr., Chattanooga, TN 37405); Victory Baptist Church, (2420 Valley View Hwy., Jasper, TN 37347); Hospice of Chattanooga (4413 Oakwood Dr., Chattanooga, TN 37416); Chattanooga Area Food Bank (www.chattfoodbank.org.); or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (www.stjude.org).
Arrangements are by the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory & Florist, 5401 Hwy. 153, Hixson, TN 37343.
Please share your thoughts and memories at www.ChattanoogaNorthChapel.com.
