Mrs. Karen A. Tolliver, age 56, of Butler, passed away at the Johnson City Medical Center on Tuesday, June 20, 2023, after a courageous battle with cancer.
She was born to the late Merlin and Dorothy Smith on the Grand Forks Air Force base, in North Dakota.
Karen was a graduate of Milligan College where she received her Master’s Degree. Her love of teaching was evident in how she cared for and taught her students at David Crockett High School. She enjoyed crafting, scrapbooking, drawing, and making jewelry. She loved the Lord and was a Christian.
In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her brother, Tony Smith.
Those left to cherish her memory are her husband, Bob Tolliver; children, John D. Tolliver and wife, Marah and Kellye Tolliver Hartley and husband, Chris; grandchild, Parker; brother, Ken Smith; sister, Tina Recla; and a host of extended family and friends.
A Celebration of Life service will be held at 2:00 PM, Saturday, July 1, 2023, at Dillow-Taylor Funeral Home with her brother Ken Smith officiating. The family will receive friends from 12:00 to 2:00 PM, prior to the service.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to one of Karen’s favorite charities, Gary Sinise Foundation, PO Box 40726, Nashville, TN 37204 or St. Jude’s Children's Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105
My sympathy to Bob and all of Karen's family. I enjoyed working with Karen through my years at David Crockett High School. Karen was always looking for ways to help her students and the school at large. She served loyally on the school's hospitality committee and was a encouragement to her colleagues. She positively impacted many students through the years as an ELA teacher and will be missed by the English department and school community.
So sorry to hear this. Please know that your family is in my prayers. For peace and comfort.
This is a great loss! Praying for the family. She will be missed.
06/22/2023
Azaria Barnett
Mrs. Tolliver was truly an amazing woman. I had the pleasure of being in her classes until I graduated. She was always so supportive and inspirational to continue my writing .
I’m so sad to hear about her passing due to her battle with cancer.
