Karen Cooke-Smelley, 62, passed away on April 14, 2025, in Chattanooga.
A proud graduate of Brainerd High School in 1981 and Chattanooga State in 1988, Karen was a devoted member of the United Methodist Church and actively participated at Hurst and Stanley United Methodist Church until her health began to decline. Karen dedicated her career to helping others as a medical assistant and phlebotomist, finding joy in making a positive impact in people's lives. Family was at the core of her existence; she cherished her roles as a mother and grandmother, taking immense pride in her loved ones. She was preceded in death by her fathers, George Key Jr. and James Cooke; her mother, Joyce Cooke; and her son, Brian C. Cooke. Karen is survived by her beloved husband of 30 years, Pastor Charles H. Smelley Jr.; her son, Charles H. Smelley III; her daughter, Olivia Cooke; her grandson, Charles “C4” Smelley IV; and her granddaughter, Rylei Smelley. She is also survived by her siblings: George (Pauline) Cooke, Madelyn (Jimmy) Greene, Joyce Denise Cooke Bovell, Dianne Cooke, Charles (Linda) Cooke, and Lisa Cooke Joynes, her sister-in-law, Carol Smelley. The family will welcome friends on Wednesday, April 23, from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Stanley United Methodist Church, followed by a funeral service at 12 p.m. Interment will take place at Lakewood Memory Gardens, East.
Arrangements are by John P. Franklin Funeral Home, 1101 Dodds Ave., 423 622-9995.
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