Celebration of Life of Karen Hope Young Gonzalez

October 31, 1954 – May 15, 2025

Karen Hope Young Gonzalez was born to the late Howard W. Young and Mary

Elizabeth Young in Kingsport, TN on October 31, 1954. She was called to her eternal

rest on May 14, 2025.

Karen, a woman of deep faith, gave her life to Christ at an early age and devoted

herself to a life centered on daily Bible study and prayer, serving in church ministries

and engagement. Her faith was the bedrock upon which she built her life, guiding her

through the trials and tribulations of this world. She held fast to the belief that with God,

all things are possible.

Karen was educated in the Kingsport City Schools systems graduating from

Dobyns-Bennett High School, having recently attended her 50th class reunion. She

moved to Cleveland in 1980 with her son Brandon to join the family, retiring from the

Cuyahoga County Department of Public Works in 2014. Karen joined her sisters in

Knoxville, Tennessee after retirement but never lost the pull of her beloved Cleveland so

she returned in 2024 to be with her son. Her church family and friends welcomed

Karen home.

I Corinthians 13:13 “And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest

of these is love.” Karen embodied this scripture, living a life rich in faith, brimming with

hope and overflowing with love. Karen was preceded in death by her parents and her

nephew Preston E. Peters. She leaves behind to cherish her beautiful memories: her

beloved son, Brandon Marquis Gonzalez; her grandchildren, Samaria, Samir and

Harmony of Cleveland; and her siblings; Charlotte (Gary) Maxwell of Kingsport; Howard

1. Young, Jr. (Euclid); Phyllis (Jim) Nichols of Knoxville; Linda Reid of Knoxville; and

Gregory (Kim) of Stockbridge, GA.

“Auntie Karen” is mourned by her nieces and nephews: Bryan (Jackie) Young, Robyn

(Marcia) Young, Ashley Young; Tiffany (Patrick) Powell and Allison Toich; Deidtra Reid,

Brittany (Cleo) Nettles; Jason Young, Charles N.Young, Ryan Young, Miles Young and

Morgan Young; and several grandnieces and nephews; and a host of friends, church

members and classmates.

As we say farewell to Karen Hope Young Gonzalez, we do not dwell on the sorrow of

her parting, but rather rejoice in the knowledge she has been received into the arms of

her Savior, Jesus Christ. She has fought the good fight, she has finished the race, she

has kept the faith. Let her life be a loving reminder that while she is missing from our

presence: she will be forever in our hearts. We will remember how greatly each of us

loved her, and how she loved us all.