Karen Reach Nicley-age 71 of Maynardville, born June 26, 1955, went to be with the Lord Sunday, September 27, 2026, at the North Knoxville Medical Center. Karen was a member of Milan Baptist Church. Karen devoted many years of service to the Union County Sheriff’s Department, where she served in several roles throughout her career, including secretary, dispatcher, School Resource Office, and 911 Director. In her earlier years Karen worked at the Horace Maynardville High School as a secretary. Her years of service reflected her dedication to her community and to the many people whose lives she touched along the way. More than anything, Karen treasured time spent with her family and friends. She loved being surrounded by those she loved and shared a special bond with her beloved fur baby, Marley. Preceded in death by her parents, Jimmy and Bobbie Lea (Cooper) Reach; her special fur baby, Jada.

Left to cherish her memory is her loving husband of 31 years, Jackie Nicley; sons, Jared (Sondra) Smith, Josh (Crystal) Smith, and David (Kristy) Nicley; grandchildren, Alan (Bri) Nicley, Whisper Nicley, Jacklynn Wright, Jacob Armstrong, and Christopher Armstrong; great grandchildren, Christian Nicley, Charlee Nicley, Kane Nicley, Winter Nicley, Annalee Armstrong, Rylee Armstrong; siblings, Tony (Sue) Reach, Kathy (Andrew) Holloway, Billy (Jamison) Reach; special friends, Barbara Williams and Ginger Hilburn; the Circuit Court Clerk’s Office and staff of 33 Diner along with many other family members, friends, former coworkers, and loved ones who will forever cherish her memory.

Karen will be remembered for her love for her family, her years of service to her community, and the countless memories she leaves behind. Her presence will be deeply missed, but the love she shared will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

The family will receive friends 4-7:30 PM Tuesday, September 29, 2026, with the funeral service to follow at 7:30 PM, Cooke-Campbell Mortuary Chapel, Rev. Eddie Muncey and Rev. Jody Winstead officiating and music by Brittany and McKenzie Muncey, Rev. Charlie and Billie McClure. Interment 11 AM Wednesday, September 30, 2026, Neal Cemetery, Powder Springs. Family and friends will meet 9:30 AM Wednesday at the funeral home to go with the funeral procession. Pallbearers: Lance Mitchell, Alan Nicley, David Tripp, Adam Reach, Trot Russell, Coy Bailey, Aiden Bowman. Honorary pallbearers: Union County First Responders and Courthouse Staff. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Under the Tree-Union County Children’s Charity, P.O. Box 1033, Maynardville, TN 37807. Arrangements by Cooke-Campbell Mortuary, Maynardville.