Karen Irish Thompson

On Saturday, October 29, 2022, Karen Thompson, resident of Savannah, Georgia, passed away at the age of 78. Karen was born on July 27, 1944 in Atlanta, Georgia.



Karen was a distinguished and respected community leader of Savannah. She was widely recognized for her political and community involvement, robust understanding of history and artifacts, and passion and cultivation of the arts. Karen served as Chairman of the Board of Equalization for 10 of the 12 years of her participation. She also held over a decade of service as a board member for The Justice for Children Foundation Inc.



Karen was a bright and quick-witted lady of integrity, and was actively involved in Savannah society. Her impact on the lives of prestigious members of the community is far reaching.



Her son, Tim Irish, fondly remembers her as, 'A true southern lady, who was a charm to Savannah.'



She was preceded in death by her late husband Ira W. Thompson. She is survived by, Timothy Irish, Kristen Hanner, her 5 grandchildren, Bradley Irish, Bailey, Camille, Olivia, and Grace Hanner, her great-grandchild, Blake Irish, son-in-law Manuel Hanner, and of course, her beloved dog, Sam.



The family will be holding a visitation Tuesday, November 1st, 2022, from 4:00pm to 7:00pm at Gamble Funeral Home, 410 Stephenson Avenue, Savannah, Ga 31405. A viewing will also be held the following day, November 2nd, 2022, from 12:00pm to 2:00pm, followed by a service starting at 2:00pm. Service on Wednesday is done by Father Gabe of Saint Frances Cabrini Catholic Church.



The family will then have a memorial and graveside service at 1 pm Thursday, November 3rd, 2022, located at their family plot at Floral Hills Memory Gardens, 3000 Lawrenceville Highway, Tucker GA 30084.



Honorary Pallbearers will include David Lyons, Dr. Brian Fallon, Judge Billy Tomlinson, Dr. Jerry Williams, Howard Spiva, OC Welch, and Jack Fitzgerald. U.S Marshal Commander David Lyons, Camille Hanner, and Alderman Kurtis Purtee will speak at the service.