Willis Funeral Home | Dalton, GA

Obituary For Karen Josephine Kemp Gregory

MRS. KAREN JOSEPHINE KEMP GREGORY - Age 55, of Johnson City, Tennessee (formerly Chatsworth, Georgia) passed away Wednesday, October 31, 2018. She was a retired basketball coach of East Tennessee State University. Her father, Willie Lee Kemp, and brother, Sam Kemp, preceded her in death.

She is survived by her companion, Eddie Gregory; children, Marcus (Brittany) Gregory and LaKeisha Gregory; grandchildren, Javen Gregory and Aubrey Gregory; mother, Kate L. Kemp; sister, Earnestine (Donald) Sumlin; brothers, Willie L. (Stephanie) Beck, Daniel Kemp, and James Kemp; aunt, Allie Roberta (Jimmy) McClure; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and friends.

Funeral Service will be held Monday, November 5, 2018 at 11:00 A.M. in the Chapel with Rev. Henry Ford and other ministers officiating. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Sunday Evening from 5:00 until 7:00 P.M. Please share your thoughts and memories of Mrs. Karen Josephine Kemp at www.willisfuneralhomedalton.com. Arrangements by Willis Funeral Home, Inc., Dalton, Georgia.

Guest Book

Coach Kemp was the first coach who started recruiting me as a sophomore in high school when she was at UTC. She was an excellent recruiter, coach and role model. I am praying for her family and friends.-Latrice McLin

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During her years at ETSU, Coach Kemp made a significant difference in the lives of her athletes and the entire ETSU regional community. We're grateful for her life of service to others. May God comfort her family in ways that only He can.

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The James and Roberta Turner family are so sorry about Karen. We will see her again in the "sweet bye and bye."

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Coach Kemp gave me my start and 1st opportunity to be a college coach. She taught me a lot of things. She taught me how to win, but most importantly she taught me about people and life! Thank you for all you’ve done. Love you! Kelvin Long and Family.

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Playing for Coach Kemp my senior year at ETSU was hands down the best season of my college basketball career. Thanks to her I also got to experience coaching a high school girl's team with no experience. But Karen told me I could do it and am glad I did. So many wonderful memories that I'll forever cherish. Heaven has truly gained an angel! My heartfelt condolences to Eddie, Keisha, Marcus and the rest of the family! -Yvette Grainger

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My memories of Karen are as a teammate and an outstanding basketball player. My sophomore year we were ranked 4th in the nation as we competed in a national championship. She was a true leader,kind,and funny.I know that she will be missed.May God continue to watch over her and her family. Deidra Adams,M.A.Ed

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Karen your warmth wit Smile and Love will shine bright in the memories of the many hearts you have touch. Brenda Paul

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I will never forget the years spent at the UTC basketball camp. “Big Karen” always treated me like family and was a role model. It was an honor to have her to look up to! Prayers for this sweet family!

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Thank you so much Coach for all your hard work and dedication! We will never forget about you at ETSU! My sincerest prayers and condolences to the family

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There was never anyone quite like Karen. She had a heart of gold and never wanted anyone picked on or hurt. Loved hanging out with her and listening to her laugh....it was contagious! God please comfort the Kemp and Gregory families.

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Sending my prayers to the family.

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My thoughts and prayers are with the family in this great loss.Always remembering the kemp family and others./ Mrs. Mary Bonds and the Valeri Mitchell Family (Nashville,TN)

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Karen was a wonderful childhood friend. Although I left Murray County in middle school, I never forgot Karen and the fun we had together. I'm so sorry for the family's loss. May her memory be a blessing.

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My favorite memory of myself and C coming over watching tv while you made the kool-aid out of the can, lol. We ate all the food, proceeding by you getting Eddie to kick us out lol. Thank you for being there for us. Thank you for helping me coach the high school girls too. Love you Tish

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It was shocking news to hear of Karen's passing. Prayers for peace and comfort to the family. Richard and Kay Hooper

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Karen was a one of a kind person. So proud to have known her. She had drive and achieved what she believed in. I hope and pray God by with your family through this sadness. I know God is pleased to have her on his team.

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Words cannot express my sadness. Praying for all her former players and coaches. Karen will never be forgotten on or off the court. She was an outstanding lady and showed true compassion to everyone. May God bless this precious family. Love to you all. Love, Kristi Smith & family

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Keeping the Kemp and Gregory Families in our Prayers. The Ralph Whitener Children.

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Praying for the Kemp and Gregory Families. Pastor Edward Hoggs and the Shiloh Baptist Church Family.

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Sending prayers and our deepest condolences to your family. Words can’t express the love and appreciation we will always have for Coach Kemp. May she rest easy and may her memory keep you all lifted. -The Holmes Family

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My sincere sympathy to Coach Kemp’s Family. I treasure the time spent with her st East Tennessee Stste University.

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"To be absent In the body, is to be present with the Lord." My condolences goes out to the family. May God bless you and May God keep you. RIP Coach Kemp!

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So many wonderful softball memories...May God bless and provide comfort to the Kemp and Gregory families.

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My heart breaks to hear this news. Karen was such a talented and sweet person. Prayers going up for all of the family.

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Sending my condolences and prayers to the family.

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Your sweet spirit and wonderful laugh will always be remembered. You had the heart of a champion in all you did. May God grant your family peace and comfort. Coach Mealer and family.

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Please accept our deepest condolences, and know that God loves you and can restore your spirits, give you peace, and strengthen you. Pastor Wade & Sis Sherri Broome,and Piney Grove Baptist Church Family

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I'm so sorry for the Kemp and Gregory families loss. May God give your families peace and comfort during this time.

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