With great sadness, we announce the passing of Karen J. Kelley Swinea Houser. She died at home on Friday, September 27, 2024. She was born April 23, 1949 in Lewis County to the union of the late Talmage and Freda Turnbow Kelley. Karen was a graduate of Wayne County High School in Waynesboro, TN. After graduation, she made a career as a hairdresser for more than 55 years. She was well known at all the surrounding nursing homes at which she dedicated her time caring for the beauty of their patients. Above her career, she dedicated her time and love to her family and Church. She was a dedicated member of the Green River Baptist Church in Waynesboro.
Survivors include her children, Steven Keith Swinea; Kristy Nelson; step daughter, Sherry Watson; step son, Rick Houser; one sister, Janice Lynn; grandsons, Colby McCrory and wife Sabra; Taner Swinea and wife Victoria; step grandsons, Zach Watson; Ben Watson; Great grandchildren, Nolan and Saige McCrory; Bennett and Emma Swinea; Step Great Grandchildren, River, Cole and Millie Watson; She is also survived by several nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by a brother, Ronald Kelley; her husband, Bobby Houser; and the father of her children, Steve Swinea.
Visitation with the family will be on Monday, September 30, 2024 from 10:00 AM until service time at 3:00 PM at Green River Baptist Church
Funeral services will begin at 3:00 PM on Monday, September 30 , 2024 at Green River Baptist Church with Kerry Franks officiating. Interment will follow in Waynesboro Memorial Gardens.
The family has requested in lieu of flowers donations be given to St. Jude or the Butterfly Foundation.
