Karen Kelly

Karen Kelly, age 69 of Mountain City, TN, went to be with her Lord early Tuesday morning, February 11, 2025 at her home. Karen was born in Florence, SC on November 19, 1955 to the late James Richard Thomas and Ella Mae Thomas. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her late husband of 23 years, Clarence “Buddy” Bazen; brother, Billy Thomas; and stepson, Jason Kelly.

Karen was well known as a music teacher, piano instructor, and church pianist for over 40 years and had an enormous impact on the lives of her students. Her heart’s desire was to point people to the Lord through music and to train young people to use their talents for Him.

In the words of a close friend, “Karen has always been such an example of serving the Lord, her family, and others. She did not have to say it in words but just by watching her day to day, you knew she had a servant’s heart.” Another echoed the sentiment, “Her crown will be full of gorgeous jewels for all the lives she touched. When you saw her, you saw our Savior in the way she gently loved everyone.”

Those left to cherish her memories include her husband of 21 years, James R. Kelly, Sr.; daughter, Anna Conner and husband Timmy; sons, David Bazen and wife Ginny, and John Bazen; stepdaughter, Jamie Lee Bullock and husband Shannon; stepsons, James Kelly, Jr. and wife Michelle, and Jeffrey Kelly and wife Leyanah; brother, Dickie Thomas (Vanessa); grandchildren, Carolyn Conner Supple (Jonathan), James Dallas Conner, Anna Kate Bazen, Ella Bazen, Meghan Cox (Tyran), Nicholas Kelly (Rachel), Nathaniel Kelly, Micah Kelly (Hayley), Michael Bullock (Bekah), Alexandria Ruppe (Zachary), Gabriel Bullock, William Kelly, Emma Kelly, Grant Kelly, and Kate Promise Kelly; great-grandchildren, Olivia Cox, Evelyn Cox, Madelyn Cox, Jameson Bullock, Jack Bullock, Cecelia Kelly, and Harrison James Kelly; many nieces and nephews. 

The family will receive friends from 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 15, 2025 at First Baptist Church. The funeral service will follow at 2:00 p.m. The graveside service and burial will follow from Pleasant Grove Baptist Church Cemetery. Pallbearers will be David Bazen, John Bazen, Jonathan Supple, Jim Kelly Jr., Shannon Bullock, and Micah Kelly. 

The family of Karen Kelly has entrusted her services to Mountain City Funeral Home, 224 S. Church Street, Mountain City, Tennessee 37683.