Karen Smith Edwards

Karen Smith Edwards of Friendsville passed peacefully and surrounded by family on March 9, 2024. She was a graduate of the Maryville High School class of 1961 where she participated in several clubs. She marched as a majorette in the Maryville High School band, and marched piccolo for the Pride of the Southland Marching Band under the direction of Dr. W. J. Julien. She graduated from the University of Tennessee and went on to become a CPA, becoming the first female at the firm where she first worked. She went on to serve her community for over 40 years, and served as a partner for Ingram, Overholt and Bean. She loved traveling, boating, gardening, and the Tennessee Volunteers, but most of all loved spending time with her friends and family. Preceded in death by her daughter Karey Keck; grandchildren Jesse Keck and Terra Keck; mother and father Ernest A. and Zelma Sue Smith; uncle Edgar Owen Smith and aunts and uncles Jim and Gerry McPhetridge and Hollis and Hazel McPhetridge; grandparents Elmer and Mertie Melvina McPhetridge and Homer and Nellie Belle Smith. She is survived by her granddaughter Katey Adams and her husband Reed; sister Lisa Hatmaker and niece Sam Hatmaker; son-in-law Tony Keck and Cindi Brown; cousins Gail, Cheryl, and Ronnie McPhetridge; special friends Ed and Janie Shore; and many other cherished friends and family. In lieu of flowers, please donate or volunteer in her memory to the Second Harvest Food Drive of Maryville 865-521-0000. The family will receive friends from 5:00 until 7:00 PM on Sunday, March 17, 2024 in the Smith Trinity Chapel with a Celebration of Karen’s life to follow at 7:00 PM.  Family and friends will assemble at 1:00 PM on Monday, March 18, 2024 at the Grandview Cemetery Pavilion for the entombment service. Condolences may be shared through Smith Funeral & Cremation Service, Maryville, 865-983-1000, www.SmithFuneralandCremation.com