Karen Sue Gates

Karen Sue Gates, age 59 of Palmyra, TN, passed away Thursday, July 17, 2025 at St Thomas Hospital Midtown in Nashville, TN.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held 6:00 p.m. Friday, July 25, 2025 at McReynolds Nave & Larson Funeral Home with Pastor Nathan Pearson officiating.

Family will receive friends from 4:00 p.m. until the hour of service Friday evening.

Karen entered this life on September 14, 1965 in Corry, PA, daughter to the late Forrest Melvin Gates Jr, and Myrtle Marie Eastman Gates. In her early elementary years, Karen was a proud girls scout and loved participating in Special Olympics. She would later graduate from Northeast High School in 1984 where she would forever remain an eagle. Karen loved to spend her time making her beautiful jewelry, and pictures, as she was very talented in arts and crafts. She enjoyed her black and white westerns while taking care of her fur babies, and talking to anyone and everyone that would listen; however, her true passion in life was spending time and taking care of her family; she will be greatly missed.

In addition to her parents, Karen was preceded in death by her daddy, Bobby Frommel; brother, Jeffery Lynn Gates, and brother-in-law, Eddie Hodges.

Survivors include her sisters, Pamela Hodges Cottrell (Randy),  Gloria Jean Swan; nieces and nephews, Tammy Hodges, Samantha (Tyler) Petrone, Kourtni Cottrell, Nathan Cottrell, Coral Thomas, Jory Thomas, Duane Swan, and Forrest Lane Gates. Karen also leaves behind her special great-nephew, Easton Suiter, along with a host of numerous great-nieces, and great-nephews, and special caregiver and best friend, Brittany Kinht.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be to Nave Funeral Home, online condolences may be made at www.NaveFuneralHomes.com

Arrangements are in the care of McReynolds-Nave & Larson Funeral Home, (931) 647-3371, 1209 Madison St, Clarksville, TN 37040.