Karen Kathleen Dukes

Karen Kathleen Tranthem Dukes passed away on June 20, 2024. Karen was born on January 23, 1952, in Knoxville, TN. She has been a lifelong resident of Knoxville. Karen attended West High School and the University of Tennessee. Karen had a lifelong love of dance. At the young age of 16, she opened Karen's school of dance, where she taught many the art of tap, ballet, jazz, and any other form of dance her students wanted to learn. Upon the closing of her dance studio, she naturally went into the medical field, where she has been employed at Tennessee Orthopedic Alliance for the past 25 years. Karen had the natural ability to care for and help others. People often came to Karen for advice, not because she told you what you wanted to hear but because she told you what you needed to hear. No matter who you were or if you were younger or older, she was your "momma.".

She was preceded in death by her father, James R. Tranthem. Mother, Kathleen N. Tranthem. Son, Cory P. Dukes.

She is survived by her son Ryan Dukes, daughter Cara Dukes, granddaughters Alexis Wood and Heaven Long, and her grandson's Evan Dukes, Bryceson Dukes, Kian Horton, Camryn Dukes, and Mason Dukes. Great Granddaughter Izabella Dukes. She is also survived by a host of friends, family, and animals that she was "momma" to.

Family will receive friends on Saturday, June 29, 2024, from 4:00–6:00 p.m. at Mynatt Funeral Home, Fountain City Chapel, with a 6:00 p.m. memorial service to follow. Officiated by Reverend Jonathan Tharpe.