The family of Karson Leitch Beaty (nee Karson Shea Leitch) regretfully reports her passing in Knoxville, Tennessee on August 4, 2017 at the age of 41.

Karson grew up in Stone Mountain, Georgia, attending Stone Mountain High School where she acted in several school plays as an active member of the drama program. Beginning her life-long interest in community service, Karson volunteered for the Appalachia Service Project throughout high school and continued as a staff member during her college years until 1997, when she completed her service as a Center Director.

She continued her interest in acting at Maryville College in Tennessee while obtaining her Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology and Sign Language, with a minor in Theater. While at Maryville she founded the college's chapter of Habitat for Humanity and was nominated upon graduation for Outstanding Sociology Student. Karson was subsequently awarded a Masters in Social Work degree from the University of Tennessee Knoxville.

After graduation from UT, Karson was hired as a social worker for TEIS (Tennessee Early Intervention System). She then worked for East Tennessee Children's Hospital as a social worker in the Pediatric Hematology/Oncology department. These positions were perfect fits because of her love for children.

In 2007 Karson was diagnosed with Stage II breast cancer and in 2009 her condition progressed to Stage IV metastatic. Throughout all of her difficult treatments she maintained her characteristic smile, positive attitude and desire to help others. She inspired many by never giving up hope for recovery. She never believed that she "lost a battle" with cancer. Instead, she always rose above it, even in her final days.

Karson is survived by her mother Leigh Essex Walker, stepfather Jeff Walker, father David Leitch, and stepmother, Janice Leitch. She is also survived by her brother Kirk Leitch, sister-in-law Lindsey Leitch, niece Harper Leitch, brother Marty Tomlinson, sister Rachael Shook, brother-in-law Cody Shook, brother Connor Leitch, and sister Jordan Leitch. Karson was a member of Cokesbury United Methodist Church, Knoxville.

Donations in memory of Karson may be made to Wind River Cancer Wellness Programs, 430 Larsen Lane, Tryon, NC 28782, www.windriverservices.org/donate .

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, August 12, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. at Northside Chapel, 12050 Crabapple Road, Roswell, Georgia, 30075 (770-645-1414). The family will receive friends on Friday, August 11, 2017 from 6:00pm until 8:30pm at Northside Chapel Funeral Directors. A Celebration of Life gathering will be held in Knoxville, Tennessee in September.