October 31, 1954 – May 14, 2025
Karen Hope Young Gonzalez was born to the late Howard W. Young and Mary Elizabeth Young in Kingsport, TN on October 31, 1954. She was called to her eternal reset on May 14, 2025.
Karen, a woman of deep faith, gave her life to Christ at an early age and devoted herself to a life centered on daily Bible study and prayer, serving in church ministries and engagement. Her faith was the bedrock upon which she built her life, guiding her through the trials and tribulations of this world. She held fast to the belief that with God, all things are possible.
Karen was educated in the Kingsport City Schools systems graduating from Dobyns-Bennett High School, having recently attended her 50th class reunion. She moved to Cleveland in 1980 with her son Brandon to join the family, retiring from the Cuyahoga County Department of Public Works in 2014. Karen joined her sisters in Knoxville, Tennessee after retirement but never lost the pull of her beloved Cleveland so she returned in 2024 to be with her son. Her church family and friends welcomed Karen home.
I Corinthians 13:13 “And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.” Karen embodied this scripture, living a life rich in faith, brimming with hope and overflowing with love. Karen was preceded in death by her parents and her nephew Preston E. Peters. She leaves behind to cherish her beautiful memories: her beloved son, Brandon Marquis Gonzalez; her grandchildren, Samaria, Samir and Harmony of Cleveland; and her siblings; Charlotte (Gary) Maxwell of Kingsport; Howard Young, Jr. (Euclid); Phyllis (Jim) Nichols of Knoxville; Linda Reid of Knoxville; and Gregory (Kim) of Stockbridge, GA.
“Auntie Karen” is mourned by her nieces and nephews: Bryan (Jackie) Young, Robyn (Marcia) Young, Ashley Young; Tiffany (Patrick) Powell and Allison Toich; Deidtra Reid, Brittany (Cleo) Nettles; Jason Young, Charles N.Young, Ryan Young, Miles Young and Morgan Young; and several grandnieces and nephews; and a host of friends, church members and classmates.
As we say farewell to Karen Hope Young Gonzalez, we do not dwell on the sorrow of her parting, but rather rejoice in the knowledge she has been received into the arms of her Savior, Jesus Christ. She has fought the good fight, she has finished the race, she has kept the faith. Let her life be a loving reminder that while she is missing from our presence; she will be forever in our hearts. We will remember how greatly each of us loved her, and how she loved us all.
