Cover photo for Karen L. Carter McGhee (Kay)'s Obituary
Karen L. Carter McGhee (Kay) Profile Photo

Karen L. Carter McGhee (Kay)

December 28, 1959 — January 21, 2025

Karen Larven Carter McGhee was born on December 28, 1959 in Chattanooga, Tennessee to Waymon L. Carter Sr. and Susie Mae Rucker Carter. She transitioned on January 21, 2025. She was preceded in death by her devoted husband Varnell McGhee, mother Susie Mae Rucker Carter, father Waymon L. Carter Sr., brothers, Waymon L. Carter Jr., Rev. Ruben L. Carter (Miami, Florida), sisters, Anita L. Carter, Andrea L. Carter, grandmothers, Lula Rucker, Mollie Stepp, favorite aunt Carrie Sue Cole, nephew, Waymon L. Carter III, niece, Tracy Carter and precious fur grand baby Coco Carter. She is survived by her daughter,niece, caregiver, and best friend Stacy L. Carter of Chattanooga, Tennessee whom she raised since birth.

Better known as "Kay", she was well known for her famous southern cooking (chitterlings and greens her speciality), infectious smile, hair, caregiving to others extending outside her immediate family and exquisite taste in fashion. She was known at her church as the "Queen"of fashion. She was loved for her fiery sweet personality, charm, comedy, grace, and beauty. She loved children, raised many and was adored by them all. The epitome of a "feminine" elegant "Godly Woman". Her biggest wish was to sing in her church choir.

In her youth and early adulthood she resided in the Orchard Knob (Ivy Street) and East Chattanooga area. She attended both Orchard Knob Elementary and Orchard Knob Middle School. She graduated from Riverside High School, class of 1977. At an early age, she developed the talent for needlework creating her own wardrobe. In high school she participated in performance arts including: dance, theatre, and art. Following graduation she attended Edmonson College (Chattanooga, Tennessee), graduated from Midsouth Styling Academy (Rossville, Georgia) specializing in cosmetology. For many years, she worked in the restaurant management industry.

She was baptized and a member of Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church, a faithful member of the family church home, Ebenezer Baptist Church. After meeting her beloved husband Varnell McGhee she attended and joined Orchard Knob Baptist Church until her health declined. She served as a volunteer, Sunday school teacher, senior/widow ministry and was a generous contributor to each church congregation. After her mother's death she moved to Alabama and was employed as a caregiver and house manager for the intellectually disabled. Upon her return to Chattanooga, Tennessee she served as primary caregiver to both her father and paternal grandmother. Her parents instilled values of faith, hard work ethics, community, loyalty and support of the elderly. Those lessons shall carry on to future generations.

She was a fighter and victor, her declining health never stopped her from achieving what she wanted to do. An independent thinker and strong willed, she was determined and hobbies included: sewing, gardening, cardiac exercise, dancing, traveling, cooking, shopping, music, painting and creating wig styles for others.

She received her heavenly royal choir robe on Tuesday, January 21, 2025 peacefully at home with her family, friends, and Gentiva Hospice care team.

A special thanks to her nurse Brian, Lorinda and Chaplain Rob (Gentiva Hospice of Chattanooga, Tennessee) with assistance committing her back to the Lord in her final days.

A special thanks to special friends and little helper Joye (Kaison) Duncan and Alberto Gutierrez who spent around the clock providing care, love, comfort, peace, respect, compassion and support to her and family.

A special thanks to special friends of the family Gladys Branson, Seygried and Dee Dee Lewis for providing encouragement, wisdom, spiritual and emotional support to the family.

A special thanks to Parkridge Medical Hospital, all medical and emergency personnel who served and cared for her over the years and end of life.

"He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever."- Revelation 21:4

Victory is won Kay! We love you and you will remain in our hearts forever!

Dedication Song Selections:

Balm in Gilead by Karen Clark Sheard

There's A Leak in this Old Building by Lashun Pace

Take me to the King by Tamela Mann

I Almost Let Go by Kurt Carr

On Time God by Dotties Peoples

He'll Make it Alright by Charles Jenkins and Fellowship Chicago

So Good by Pastor Mike Jr.

Victory by Tye Tribett

Love by God's Property

Kingdom Come by Jill Scott and Kirk Franklin

"Ha Ya" (Eternal Life) by the Clark Sisters

Amen by Pastor Mike Jr.

We celebrate and rejoice in the Lord knowing that she is safe, loved, and in the arms of our heavenly Father. We ask at this time for prayers of peace, comfort, and privacy during this time of bereavement and celebration of life. Arrangements are by Companion Funeral Home.

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