Virginia “Karen” Benfield, 72, of Kingsport, TN, entered into peace after complications after surgery, on Tuesday, March 7, 2023.
Karen was a remarkable woman. If there was one way to describe her character, she was a strong, selfless, loving firecracker. She touched countless lives at Miller Perry Elementary School during the years her granddaughters attended (2001-2006), where they named the reading area ‘Mamaw’s Reading Center’. Karen was a crafter, she was a creative and gifted artist. Pieces of her artwork appear in many of the homes of her family and friends. She had the vision to make common things into masterpieces. Karen could sew, paint, craft, and create anything. It cannot go without mention that Karen ‘COULD COOK!’ She loved animals, feeding them, caring for them, and checking on them. She adored her family and would do anything for them. Karen was there for everyone in every way. At 4’11”, she had a heart and personality ten times that size, she was feisty and independent, and would do anything she was told she couldn’t out of spite.
Karen is preceded in death by; her husband Tony Benfield of 39 years; her mother, Virginia Henson; brother, Johnnie Redwine; her soul animals Archie and Carlos and numerous special grand-furbabies.
She is survived by; the light of her life, Devin Salyers-Tolley and husband Alex; her special companion Prissy; her daughters Lisa Salyers Wilson, Tonya Benfield Johnson and husband Robby; her son Jamie Salyers and Marla; her grandchildren Colby and Rachel Johnson, Haysha and Rebekah Salyers; grand-furbabies too numerous to name individually; her father Lawrence “Bud” Henson; sister June Puckett; and step brothers Ronnie and John Henson.
Following the passing of Tony, Karen found happiness in life again with VW (Randy) Moore, their ‘hootie-holler’ friends in Hiltons, Va, and Pistol. Randy inspired her to live life to the fullest everyday with their daily adventures on the four wheeler and in the woods, finding the beauty of nature, and rekindling their love.
The family will be celebrating Karen privately, which was her request.
In memorial of Karen, the family asks that donations be made to Airport Emergency Clinic in Blountville for pet care and/or cremation.
Trinity Memorial Centers Funeral Home (423-723-8177) is honored to serve the family.
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