Karen Buckner

Karen Celeste Sawyer Buckner, 56, of Leicester went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, July 13, 2021.  A native and lifelong resident of Buncombe County, she was daughter of the late Charles Sawyer and Allie Fair Sawyer of Bryson City, NC.  In addition to her father, she was also preceded in death by her brother, Chuck Sawyer and a beloved aunt, Elsie Sawyer.

Karen was passionate about everything she believed in.  She was fierce, stubborn, and unafraid to speak her mind – for better or worse, it was however, refreshing. Karen had a gift from God in how she deeply cared about everyone important to her.  She was selfless, always putting others wellbeing before her own.  Her heart never ran out of space for those she loved, including her beloved doggies.

She loved musicals and would sing about everything…sometimes making up her own words. Christmas was her favorite holiday, she loved everything about it.  Decorating early and leaving it up as long as her family would allow.  Karen loved the sunset and the mountains.  She will be deeply missed.

In addition to her mother, she is survived by her husband of 33 years, John Lee Buckner, Jr; two daughters, Rylee Buckner and Regan Buckner of the home; sister, Angela Sawyer of Winston Salem; sisters-in-law, Katherine Brewer of Winston-Salem and Crissy Holder of Clemmons; brother, Chris Sawyer of Jacksonville, FL and niece, Rebecca Sawyer of Winston Salem.  She also leaves behind her six beloved furry family members: Hannah, Beatle, Fiona, Oreo, Aine and Buddy.

A celebration of Karen’s life will be held at 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 29, 2021, at Crossroads Assembly, 20 S Bear Creek Rd, Asheville, NC 28806.  Rev. Dr. Michael Brown and Rev. Wade Zachary will officiate.  The family will receive friends at the church beginning at 2:30 p.m.

The care of Mrs. Buckner has been entrusted to Wells Funeral Home of Candler.