Karen Elizabeth Riley

March 27, 1969 - December 23, 2019

Karen Elizabeth Riley died unexpectedly at her home on December 23, 2019 in Tampa, Florida at the young age of 50. Karen is survived by her Father John C. Riley of Chattanooga, Tennessee, her Sister Kathy L. Riley of Durham, North Carolina, her Aunt Patsy Hartline Lynch of Wildwood, Georgia and her Uncle Buford Hartline of Trenton, Georgia. She is preceded in death by her Mother Carolyn Hartline Riley of Wildwood, Georgia, her maternal Grandparents Mr. & Mrs. Sidney James Hartline of Wildwood, Georgia, her paternal Grandparents Mr. & Mrs. John Raymond Riley of Chattanooga, Tennessee, and her loving pets Madigan and Shadow. Karen was born on March 27, 1969 in Pinehurst, North Carolina to John and Carolyn Riley. She graduated from Countryside High School in Clearwater, Florida in 1989. She graduated University of South Florida in 1993 with a BS in biology then completed her training as a Medical Laboratory Technologist in Tallassee, Florida in 1995. After moving back to Tampa, Karen worked for Tampa General Hospital for 25 years as Medical Laboratory Technologist specializing in Flow Cytometry. She was a wonderful teacher to her students and dependable coworker to her workmates. Karen was accomplished at drawing and was often urged by her friends to become a medical illustrator. Karen was a generous and dedicated individual who loved supporting those in need. Karen’s letter of membership was at Northwood Presbyterian Church in Clearwater, Florida however she enjoyed attending several churches in her area. In her younger decades, Karen was known to run and bike in marathons. A graveside service is scheduled for January 10, 2020 at 1pm at Lake Hills Memorial Gardens in Trenton, Georgia. Timothy Lynch (cousin and friend) will officiate the ceremony. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Karen’s life. Arrangements are by Ryan Funeral Home & Crematory, Trenton, GA.