Karen Lee Vananda

Karen Lee Napier Vananda age 65 of Townsend passed away Monday, June 10, 2019 at Blount Memorial Hospital. Karen was born in Naugatuck, WV and a graduate of Swain County High School in NC. She attended WNC University. All who knew Karen recognized her contagious laughter and zest for life. She was a member of Bethel Baptist Church and a Real Estate Broker, lifelong mountaineer, and honorary Kentucky Colonel. Karen’s greatest joy was her role as a loving wife, mother, and grandmother and she will be missed by all. She is preceded in death by parents, Ivan and Shirley Napier and brother, Richard Napier. Survived by husband, Phillip Vananda; sons and daughters-in-law, Patrick and Julie Vananda, Brett and Bethany Vananda; daughter, Kyra Kauffman; 6 grandchildren, Ryan Kauffman, Wyatt Kauffman, Ivan Vananda, Britton Vananda, Avitt Vananda, and Benson Vananda; brothers, Tim Napier, Todd Napier; sisters, Iva McCracken, Geneva Yost; dog, Leo; long time best friends, Glenda Nichols and Jimmy Myers. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to The National Multiple Sclerosis Society, www.nationalmssociety.org. Family will be receiving friends from 5:00 until 7:00 PM Friday, June 14, 2019 at Bethel Baptist Church in Townsend. Memorial Service to follow at 7:00 PM with Larry Beeler officiating. Smith Funeral & Cremation Service, Maryville, 865-983-1000, www.SmithFuneralandCremation.com. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Karen Lee Vananda please visit our Sympathy Store.