Karen Lynn Branton

Mrs. Karen Lynn Branton, age 63, entered into the eternal rest of her Lord and Savior early Sunday morning, August 4, 2024 at Select Specialty Hospital in Knoxville, TN. 

Karen was born May 25, 1961, in St. Louis City, MO.  Her parents are Sidney Fields and Barbara Brown Fields.  She grew up in Bridgeton and Ballwin, MO.  She attended Lafayette High School, and graduated on her birthday, May 25, 1979.  She later attended college at the University of Kansas (Lawrence, KS), majoring in Interior Design.  In 1998, she attended Jackson College of Ministries (Jackson, MS) for one year, studying missions and theology.   In her adult life, she lived in Los Angeles, CA, Jackson, MS, Araxa Minas Gerias, Brazil, Nashville, and finally Knoxville, TN.

Karen was bold, courageous, adventurous, spontaneous and fun-loving.  Karen never hesitated to try new ideas or places that she found interesting. She was open minded and always open to the suggestions and ideas her unconventional husband, Joseph, had.  She had a wonderful outlook on life; seeing it as a journey and not a destination.  Karen was highly creative and loved all arts and crafts, such as pottery, antique tapestries, textiles of all designs, photographs, oil paintings, and books.  She loved reading, listening to music, collecting antique China, sewing, loom weaving, cross-stitching, needle point, and restoring antique furniture.  Karen appreciated the dedication and skill of the artist, and of their creations.  She possess many of these creative talents herself.  Karen loved a good deal and a bargain. She was not afraid to ask for one!  For 22 years, she had a thriving E-bay store featuring women's professional clothing, selling over 22,000 items.  Her love for animals was unparalleled.  She often said, "I missed my calling not being a veterinarian!".  She loved horses, dogs, cats, and all animals.  Karen's kindness and care towards animals was very touching. 

Most important to Karen was her love and service to the Lord and Savior Jesus.  In late 1995, the Lord called her from a dark world of sin into the marvelous light of His love.  She was a born-again Christian and lived a dedicated life for over 28 years.  Karen served Him in several capacities as Sunday School teacher, choir member, and children's church assistant.  Finally Karen served as a short term missionary to Brazil in late 1999 and part of 2000.  She often donated to children's charities both at home and abroad.  She never forgot the life Jesus brought her from, and never failed to praise Him for the new life He gave her.  If Karen was at church, it was a party between her and Jesus!  She never failed to celebrate her Savior as long as she was physically able to do so.  She loved God unquestionably and unreservedly.  Karen was an 11 year cancer survivor, and although this tragedy struck in 2013, she never lost sight of her all-important relationship with Jesus.  She never blamed Him for what happened, understanding that "bad things happen to good people" is just a part of life.  In the end, she remained a shining example of a Godly woman and a true believer.  Her life stands a great testimony, that even in sickness, God is faithful to us all.

She is preceded in death by her brother Michael Fields. Karen's memory will be forever cherished by her husband Joseph Branton, parents Sid and Barbara Fields, and sisters Pam Fields and Kim Atkins (Daniel), nieces Sarah and Katie, and nephew Danny. There will be a Homegoing Celebration in honor of Karen on Sunday, September 1, 2024, at First Apostolic Church of Maryville (1331 William Blount Dr, Maryville, TN 37801) at 2:30pm, Pastors Kenny Carpenter and Chad Erickson officiating.