Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
Karen Gates Obituary
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 Knight.
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.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Karen Gates
3 Entries
Kenny Baxter
July 21, 2025
I was a classmate through most of school, graduating with this sweet girl in 1984.
She had a heart of gold and will certainly be missed by all who knew her.
Mary Malone
July 21, 2025
I have known Karen since she was little. I worked at several schools she attended being Northeast High School the last. Karen had a heart of gold. I never saw her upset but always laughing and talking with you. I knew the family and I thought the world of Myrtle, her mother. Anyone I am sure remembers how she helped her mother deliver Charlie Chips to faculty and staff. You were suppose to bring the cans back every week. Karen was always laughing and fussing at me because she would end up with 10 + cans from me. Her favorite person was Ted Haley. She loved him and always made cakes and cookies and would always make sure he got them. Noone could have a piece of cake because she made it for him. I am praying for the family. I am asking if possible that anyone could make donations to McReynolds Nave Funeral Home to help pay for Funeral expenses. You may send your donation to
McReynolds Nave and Larsen Funeral Home
1209 Madison Street
CLARKSVILLE TN 37040
931 647-3371
Karen may you fly high as an Eagle and God bless you forever. Mary and Hank Malone
Kenneth Self
July 19, 2025
Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.
Showing 1 - 3 of 3 results
Make a Donation
in Karen Gates's name
Memorial Events
for Karen Gates
Jul
25
Visitation
4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
McReynolds Nave & Larson Funeral Home
1209 Madison Street, Clarksville, TN 37040
Jul
25
Celebration of Life
6:00 p.m.
McReynolds Nave & Larson Funeral Home
1209 Madison Street, Clarksville, TN 37040
Funeral services provided by:
McReynolds Nave & Larson Funeral Home1209 Madison Street, Clarksville, TN 37040
How to support Karen's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Karen Gates's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
