Karen Lea Moles Bernard

With broken hearts our family announces the passing of Karen Lea Moles Bernard, age 72, on June 22, 2025 surrounded by family at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville. With dignity and grace, Karen fought a courageous six month battle against post surgical complications. She will always be remembered for not only her accomplishments but her beauty and respect for others. Born in Maryville, Tennessee April 28,1953, her family moved to Rogersville a short time later where she spent her youth, graduating from Rogersville High School in 1971. A graduate of Knoxville Business College, her career eventually led to employment with Opryland USA in Nashville. Her history with Opryland is still evident as during her 10 year participation in the park's operations, she played a major role in the initial research and development of the General Jackson Showboat. The showboat was launched in 1985 and 4 decades later remains a top attraction in the Opryland organization.
She brought smiles, joy, and support to everyone she met. She took pride in helping others. She was selected to participate in the inaugural session of Leadership Brentwood. Later, during her tenure as President of the Brentwood Woman's Club, Karen spearheaded numerous successful fund-raising efforts for many community organizations. Her greatest satisfaction in helping others came with her dedication in designing and constructing wardrobes for numerous high school and local community theater productions, for which she received several awards of achievement. She had resided in Nashville and Brentwood Tennessee since 1974 leading up to her retirement in 2009.
Survivors include her husband of 53 years Charlie Wayne; daughter, Rachael Bernard Saunders(Josh) of Brentwood, TN; son, David Bernard (Andrea) Houston, TX; brother, Robert Moles (Teresa), Gilbert, AZ; grandchildren, Gavin Saunders, Jade Saunders, Alyssa Mattson; great-granddaughter, Avery Mattson; several nieces and nephews; and her precious pups, Ivy Jean and Bear.
The Bernard family extends an invitation to join them for a reception honoring Karen at Christian-Sells Funeral Home July 3, 2025 from 5-7pm, with closing comments from Dr. Larry Parrott. A private interment will follow.
Christian-Sells is in charge of arrangements.