Karen Ruth Gant

Family will be receiving friends on Saturday, March 16, 2024, from 1 until 2 p.m., at Kilgore-Green Funeral Home. Service will follow at 2 p.m., in the Kilgore-Green Chapel, with burial at Gray Cemetery. Phil Jones will officiate.

Karen, the beloved wife of the late Ray Gant, was born on February 6, 1945. She was not only a devoted wife but also a loving mother to Brent and Shane Gant, a mother-in-law to Shane’s wife Amanda, and a cherished grandmother to Joe Hunter Gant, Ella Gant, and Cash Gillespie.

Karen dedicated her life to education, graduating from TW Martin High School and earning both a Bachelor's degree in English and a Master's degree in Counseling from the University of Alabama. Her professional journey spanned an impressive 42 years, during which she served as an English Teacher at Parrish High and TW Martin High School, as well as a Guidance Counselor at Valley Middle School and the Walker County Center of Technology.

Described by those who knew her best as having a heart of gold, Karen was renowned for her unwavering loyalty and devotion to her family and friends. Her proudest accomplishments were undoubtedly her loving family and her lifelong dedication to shaping young minds in the classroom and counseling office.

Karen was a devout Christian and an active member of Goodsprings First Baptist. Her faith was an integral part of her life, and it brings comfort to know that she is now in the presence of her Heavenly Father.

Karen's favorite pastimes included shopping with her sisters and friends, as well as cherishing precious moments spent with her adored grandchildren, Joe Hunter, Ella, and Cash. She also found immense joy in watching her sons and grandchildren excel in sports.

She will be fondly remembered for her unconditional love and support, always putting the needs of her loved ones above all else, even when others may have not.

In addition to her remarkable qualities, Karen possessed a charming quirkiness – notably her frugality, except when it came to fulfilling the wishes of her sons, Brent and Shane, and their families, including her cherished daughter-in-law, Amanda, and her beloved grandchildren.

As we mourn the loss of Karen, we find solace in the cherished memories she leaves behind and the profound impact she had on all who were fortunate enough to know her. She will be deeply missed but forever remembered for her kindness, love, and enduring legacy of dedication to family, faith, and education.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Ray Gant; son, Michael Brent Gant; parents, Paul and Evelyn Busby; brother, John Busby; niece, Rhonda Williams (Walt) and nephews, James Butch Jent, Buck Busby and Barry Morrow; and brothers-in-law, Larry Morrow, Leon Gant and Larry Sullivan.

She is survived by her son, Shane Gant (Amanda), grandchildren Joe Hunter Gant, Ella Gant and Cash Gillespie; sisters, Paula Jent (Jimmy) and Janice Sullivan; sister-in-law, Sue Morrow; nieces and nephews, Beth Bullock (Junior), Amy Kennedy (Jerry), Lori Sullivan, Chris Sullivan (Stacey), Derek Busby (Cindy), Jerri Kay Pendley, Dana Thrasher, Debbie Kiker, Chad Busby, Angie Fitts (Danny) and a host of friends.