Karen Lynn Dobbs Shafer

Karen Lynn Dobbs Shafer, 76, a Hamilton County teacher for 31 years, most of them at Allen Elementary School, died on April 2, 2024, from complications of dementia.

She was born in Orlando, Florida, and was preceded in death by her parents, Earl and Anna Lou Dobbs, and her maternal grandparents, Avac and Molly Harden.

Karen graduated in 1969 from Bryan College in Dayton, Tennessee, a year after her marriage to Hank Shafer, a 1968 graduate and also former Hamilton County schoolteacher, who survives her.

Other members of her immediate family are Ryan D Shafer, of Dayton, Tennessee; Janel M Varner, of Ooltewah, Tennessee; and Darren (Rachel) Shafer of Norfolk, Virginia, and five grandchildren: Kaden, Jathen, and Dagen Varner and Calvin Henry Shafer and Maxine Lou Shafer.

She was a long-time member of Hixson Presbyterian Church and sang in the choir for many years. In her later years, longtime friends and former choir members – Carlene Kidwell, Betty Julian, Ann Hutson, Peggy Jenkins, and Susan Haughton often came to her home to sing hymns to her.  Those were her happiest times as her dementia worsened.  Now she has gone to sing in a heavenly choir.

A funeral to celebrate Karen’s life will be held on April 13 at 2:00 pm at Hixson Presbyterian Church, 1450 Jackson Mill Road in Hixson, with the Rev. Robert Johnson presiding.  The service will be preceded by visitation for an hour before the service.

The family wishes to offer special thanks to Bill Monroe and his small group; Hospice of Chattanooga, especially nurses Morgan Myers and Kathleen Masner;  CNAs Heather and Shauna; Rita Lawson who helped care for Karen for the last three years, and the Meals Committee of HPC.  In lieu of flowers, Karen’s friends might consider a memorial donation to Hixson Presbyterian Church in her name.

Condolences and memories can be shared at www.williamsonandsons.com.

Arrangements entrusted to Williamson and Sons Funeral Home, 8852 Dayton Pike, Soddy Daisy, TN 37379.

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