Karen Jean Holderfield

Mrs. Karen Jean Thompson Holderfield, age 76, beloved wife of David Holderfield, and a resident of Columbia, passed away on Monday, April 29, 2024, at Maury Regional Medical Center.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, May 4, 2024, at 11:00 AM at Heritage Funeral Home with Lyndall Propst officiating. Following the service, she will be laid to rest in Maury Memorial Gardens. A visitation will be held on Friday, May 3, 2024, from 3:00 – 5:00 PM and again on Saturday from 10:00 – 11:00 AM at the funeral home. Heritage Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Born on September 12, 1947, in Nashville, Tennessee, Karen was the daughter of the late James Daniel Thompson and the late Rebekah Ford Thompson. She was a graduate of Overton High School and earned her bachelor’s degree from East Tennessee State University. On February 1, 1969, she married David Holderfield, and together they had two children. She dedicated her entire career to teaching special education in the Marshall County School System before retiring in 2013, and for eight years, she was a devoted Girl Scout Troop leader.

A supportive mother, Karen was always extremely active in her children’s lives and activities. She was an avid Nascar fan and loved collecting chinaware. Karen had a special love for animals, especially her beloved cats. She had an excellent personality, never met a stranger, and could light up any room. Despite her health issues throughout her life, she overcame many obstacles, remained active, and never let it slow her down. Above all, Karen treasured her family, especially her cherished grandchildren and will be profoundly missed by those who knew and loved her.

In addition to her husband, she is survived by her children, Kristen (Sidney) Shull of Columbia, TN, James David “Jimmy” (Kelly Kuen) Holderfield, II of Nashville, TN, brothers, Daniel (Evelyn) Thompson, Sam (Betsy) Thompson, sister in law, Sandi Thompson, grandchildren, Elijah, Valeria, Samuel, Gabriel, and Millie Shull, great granddaughter, Rosey Cunningham, best friend, Doris Johnson, and several nieces and nephews.

Along with her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Joe Thompson.

Pallbearers will be Jimmy Holderfield, Sidney Shull, Elijah Shull, Samuel Shull, Brent Fisher, and Daryl Hodge. Honorary pallbearers will include Daniel Thompson and Sam Thompson.

The family requests memorial donations be made to the Maury County Animal Shelter, 1233 Mapleash Avenue, Columbia, TN 38401.