Karen J. (Caldwell) Crabtree

On March 31, 2026, the heavens opened their gates and called another angel home. Karen Jane Crabtree nee Caldwell was born on April 9,1962 in Cincinnati, Ohio, to the late Verlon and Cora Caldwell nee Smith. As one of 13 children she defined herself by being distinctly Karen with her full of life personality and bright energy. She was neither the oldest nor the youngest and was preceded in death by her siblings: Sharon Boyatt, Teresa Bridges, Ricky Caldwell and Wendell Caldwell. 

She is now lovingly remembered and survived by her siblings: Cathy Caldwell, Loretta Caldwell, Anita Barrett, Darlene Ray, Wanda King, Randall Caldwell, Mark Caldwell, and Wesley Caldwell. 

When she was a child the family moved to Tennessee and she would go on to meet and marry Allen Wayne Grider in high school. After having her first child, Darick Grider, she and Wayne would divorce before she met Edward Crabtree whom she would wed and later have her second child, Devin Crabtree. She was a devoted mother to her two boys and though her second marriage also ended in divorce she remained steadfast in caring for her sons. Her greatest love aside from Jesus, was her family, especially her two granddaughters, Alexis Snider and Elaina Crabtree. She was a dedicated Nana who enjoyed doing anything with her girls. She would play Barbies, she would climb on the playground equipment and even went on a roller coaster at Dollywood. She practiced for Nanahood with her many nieces and nephews, far too many to list, loving them and maintaining relationships with them until the end of her life.  She was creative and a successful cosmetologist who once owned her own salon. She viewed and treated her clients like family, and they loved her in kind. Her personality was a draw to all who knew her and she flourished as a social butterfly. She helped anyone that she could in her family and community and was known as a person who could be counted on. 

A born caregiver, she spent much of her time caring for others. She had fabulous taste and could easily have had a second career as an interior designer. She had a knack for “really” seeing someone and would put a special effort into finding just the right gift for those she loved. Always down for an adventure and could often be found getting into trouble with her best friend and sister-in-law Teresa Caldwell. She lived vibrantly and on her terms, always inspiring those around her. She will be terribly missed by her friends and family, but they rejoice in her being with the Lord and her loved ones long passed.

Friends may visit with the Crabtree family on Saturday, April 4, 2026, in the Chapel of Jones & Son Funeral Home from 12:00 p.m. until time of funeral service at 2:00 p.m. with Bro. Randall Caldwell officiating.  Music will be provided by the Singing Hambys.

Committal service will follow in the Daniel Memorial Cemetery in Helenwood, TN.

Jones & Son Funeral Home is serving the family of Karen Jane Caldwell Crabtree.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Karen J. (Caldwell) Crabtree, please visit our floral store.