Dr. Karen Randolph-Trent passed away peacefully in her home on February 10, 2024, after a long battle with cancer.
Karen was born March 30, 1965, in Sneedville, Tennessee, to the late Clyde and Lorena Wallen. Karen graduated from Jonesville High School in 1983. She attended Tusculum College, and received her Doctorate of Theology from Covenant Bible College and Seminary.
Karen was a seasoned Realtor® and an active member in her community. She was an associate broker at Century 21 Legacy. She was elected as a two-time President of the Northeast Tennessee Association of Realtors and was President of TN/VA Regional MLS. Her dedication to the industry was recognized when she was named Tennessee Realtors’ 2020 RPAC Champion, TR Educator of the Year, President of the Tennessee Real Estate Education Foundation, Chair of RPAC Trustees, and was a Division Vice President. Karen was named NETAR Realtor of the Year twice and elected to the National Association of Realtors RPAC Hall of Fame. She was a certified John Maxwell Coach, on the Board of Trustees for Girls, Inc., and a graduate of Leadership Kingsport.
Karen was a member of Calvary Church in Johnson City, Tennessee. She traveled to Africa, Brazil, Hungary, Honduras, Mexico, and Nicaragua sharing the gospel across the world.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Clyde and Lorena Wallen; step-daughter, Laura Trent.
Survivors include her husband, Mark Trent; son, William Randolph; daughter, Ali Stewart and husband, Sam Stewart; grandson, Maverick Stewart; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Sherrill and Carolyn Trent; stepdaughter, Sarah Trent and fiancé, TJ Ferradji; stepson, Aaron Trent; brother, Donnie Wallen and wife, Michelle Wallen; nephew, Cody Wallen.
Funeral services will be conducted at 7:00 PM, Friday, February 16, 2024, at Calvary Church (178 S Pickens Bridge Rd, Johnson City, TN 37615) with Pastor Robbie Hilton officiating. The family will receive friends from 4:00-7:00 PM, Friday prior to the service.
The family will have a private graveside service.
Pallbearers will be Brian Copeland, Ron Lee, Pastor Richard Hilton, Hagan Stone, Jamie Skeen and Jim Hughes.
Female Honorary Pallbearers are, Jessica Cook, Lauren Clemson, Sue Ann Cobb, Rosemarie Fair, Maci Ferguson, Theresa Hilton, Jenn Ireson, Sher Powers, Angela Shields, Sally Sparks, and Shana Wilcox.
In lieu of flowers, donations to Karen's grandson, Maverick's college fund may be made. Please contact Mark, Ali, or Dillow-Taylor Funeral home for further details.
In Conclusion
I appear to be a woman with an issue.
The threatening problem lies within my tissue.
The disease wants to take over and control of my life.
But the chemo and radiation cut it like a knife.
Scar tissue convenes as a result of extractions,
Crippling my walk from the infractions.
Cancer has no respect nor limitation.
Attacking the young and old without hesitation.
It trespasses and the host is addled.
Hearts become broken and often rattled.
If left undetected, it will certainly destroy,
Taking more than the life of the one deployed.
To each warrior called to this battlefield,
May you rise up and be healed.
If I am going down, I will be swinging.
Fight to the bitter end is what I am bringing.
This highway filled with chemicals is a stagger.
Loosing your lunch and hair is not much swagger.
One day at a time is the cadence,
Help me bury this cancer in abeyance.
One of us will quit and it will not be me,
For I am fighting from another's victory.
Ultimate healing will come for me in the end,
As the hand of Grace leads me like a friend.
I will cross the River Jordan and not look back
And wonder why in the world did I fight this attack.
I am going to a place where cancer is defeated
I hope like Heaven, it feels cheated.
A simple pay back for all it has taken
Will be remembered no more with a great awaken.
Remember me how I lived not died,
Because I am living forever in the sweet by and bye.
-Karen Randolph-Trent
I knew Karen through working for Century 21. She was always kind, smiled and so friendly whenever I saw her. Such a warm, loving , amazing woman. She will be missed very very much. Praying for Mark and family , God is with you all. Love and Prayers.
02/17/2024
Kristi and Randy Robinson
We met Karen by chance. Her smile and laughter were infectious and she was always willing listen and offer advice, no matter what the issue. She was a friend to anyone she met and we are grateful to have known her. Sissy, I know you are whole, healthy again and having a great time in Heaven! I am sorry that we lost you so soon and we will continue to pray for Mark and the rest of your family. I can only hope to see your smiling face again someday!
My sincerest condolences are with you and your family during this time. Karen was an incredible individual and a great soul, and I feel your loss deeply.
02/16/2024
Felisha McCurry
I'm so very sorry for your loss. Karen is such a special person in everyone's lives. You just feel better when you have been around her. She had such a passion and zest for life, people, and Jesus. Prayers for her family and friends. May God continue to comfort you in special ways. Love to all
02/16/2024
Debbie Garrett
Donnie,
I was so sorry to hear about Karen and I send sincere sympathy and love to you and all her family. As a student at Jonesville High School, she was smart, pretty, and always friendly and kind to everyone.
Karen has gone home to Jesus, but she’ll always be a reminder in my heart of loving kindness. I am so grateful she was a friend for I learned a lot from her about living life to the fullest and be happy no matter what life challenges we all have. Lifting prayers for the family of love and comfort!
02/15/2024
Cassie Petzoldt
When I think of you I think of one of the most spirted loving leaders I’ve known! Your style and laughter, that smile! I had no idea you were sick, I have not been on social media and out of the Realtor click…last I heard you were better but your battle came back and I know you fought like you always do for the better! You touched my life, that’s for sure and you will be missed by this world!!!! A true gift and I’m so thankful for the hugs and support you gave to me, I’ll never forget that you can believe!!! Sweet Girl as you called me, you were the sweetest as everyone did see! To a true and AMAZING woman! Rest in Peace!!! Love you! Cassie
02/15/2024
Kristy Hensley
I first met Karen as she became one of my husband Johns favorite professors at Covenant. Then, I came to know her as the amazing worshipper of Jesus who always sat on the front row at church. She did NOT hold back, through beautiful tears; no matter what she was going through- what an INSPIRATION!! Then, after realizing what a powerful prayer warrior she was too, I got the honor of knowing her more as a "sissy" when she agreed to support our non-profit by becoming a part of our prayer team. We connected hearts and testimonies in a sweet long phone call early on and of course she encouraged me- thats just what she did!! She prayed power filled prayers despite her pain, her struggle or her circumstances!! It was an honor to know her even for a few years. It was an honor to witness her battle and love so well through it all!!
I love you Karen- enjoy your Dance party in Heaven!! Save me a spot on the dance floor!!
My sweet friend, You were an angel on earth and now you are singing along with them in heaven. Much love and prayers for Mark and family. ~Denise
So sorry for your loss. She has a lots she gave that will truly be missed. The loss goes deep with the loss of my Mother And Wife. Praying Jesus will fill your hearts with his love. Jerry ( Jabo’s Dad) Stewart
02/14/2024
Christine Hansen
Karen was a woman who loved life and lived it with a passion and intensity that was awe-inspiring. She embraced every moment, every experience, with open arms, extracting joy and meaning from even the simplest things. Her life was a testament to the power of kindness and love. She may have left us too soon, but the love she shared will continue to ripple out, touching lives, warming hearts, and making the world a better place. As we say our final goodbyes, let us remember her not with sadness but with gratitude. Gratitude for the time we had with her, for the love she gave us, and for the beautiful soul that she was.
May her spirit continue to inspire us, to remind us of the beauty of love, the joy of giving, and the power of kindness. May her memory be a blessing, a source of comfort, and a beacon of light in our lives. Rest in peace, dear friend. You were a gift to us all, and you will forever be missed.
02/14/2024
Melanie Turner
Gone but never forgotten. We’ll meet again my friend.
Prayers for all the family. I was a teacher at Karen’s high school where she was a friend to all and very kind. A sweet angel has gone to Heaven. Fly high sweet Karen. You were the best as a student and a human being. You will be remembered.
02/13/2024
Geff & Dolores Moore
Mark,
Sorry for your loss!!
Karen, you have fought a good fight and kept the faith, what an inspiration you were. When I met you, you were on our board at Girls Inc. I knew you had a special calling on your life, you showed so much love and concern for the girls and our organization. I have kept up with your journey on social media with this terrible decease and learned very fast that you were such a fighter. Karen, you have ran the race and you won!! I know you will be missed by your family and so many friends, but oh what a legacy you leave behind. You are having the time of your life ♥️♥️
Karen was absolutely the face of Jesus on earth. She was a powerful prayer warrior that shared her heart for Jesus with everyone. My life is richer by knowing her.
My deepest condolences to her family and endless number of friends.
02/13/2024
Johnny & Vickie Morelock
Dear Mark, we are praying for your family. Karen’s life was a wonderful testimony and she made all of us strive to be more like Jesus. It’s untelling how many souls’ names are written in the precious Lamb’s Book of Life because of your precious wife!
i have always thought alot of you mark and i am so sorry for your loss may god have his hands on you during this time of sorrow you are a great guy,
02/13/2024
J. Alan McInturff
I have known Karen for a long time, both professionally and as a friend. She was a child of God from the time we first met each other. She was like an angel to everyone that came into her life. She treated everyone the same and was always there for individuals when they had questions and wasn't for sure in what direction to go. She was my friend, always called her my sister in Christ. I truly loved her like she was my sister. She will be truly missed here on the earth, but she is in such a better place that is called "Heaven"
Karen was a friend, kind heart, Wife, Mother, Grandmother and Stepmother. Thank you for being so good to everyone. And me. I will always love you.
I hope that you finally are at peace. I never got to know you, but you will forever be in my heart; You will forever be in the hearts of those who you have graced upon this world.
02/13/2024
Les Young, PhD, Barb Young, PhD
Few people live well;
Fewer still die well.
You dear sister did both well,
With Jesus at the center,
You were both student and mentor.
And now He says, “We’ll done! Enter.”
We love you Dr. Karen. See you soon.
02/13/2024
Tammy Lundy Garrett
Oh sweet Karen, you will surely be missed, but your legacy will live on through the precious people you have touched along the way! Fly high my friend! I'll see you at the next relay!! Love and prayers to her family and friends!
Heaven gained an Angel. May you and your family find peace in her healing and know she is dancing in the streets of gold. Prayers for comfort during this difficult time. She was truly an inspiration to all.
Sorry for your loss. Praying for the family
Karen thank you for your sweet friendship. Thank you for always sharing Jesus with me from the first time we met!! Love you. Until we meet again in Heaven!
