KAREN MARIE DOSS
May 15, 1949 – January 18, 2025
It is with great sadness that we announce the death of beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin and friend, Karen Doss; after her courageous and grace-filled battle against stage 4 pancreatic cancer. She will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who knew and loved her. Karen’s love and caring devotion for her family and precious pets filled her life with joy. She fought hard, endured so much, but never complained, and only hoped it would give her one extra day with all of them. Karen’s strong, unwavering faith, the miraculous power of God along with the prayers and support of so many, truly sustained her these past four years. Karen was born in Coatesville, PA, the oldest daughter of Ken & Betty Buffington, and lived there the first part of her life before relocating to Lynchburg, VA in 2001, where she married her husband of 23 years, Jim Doss, and later retiring from Lynchburg Dental Center. Karen leaves behind to cherish her memories: her husband, Jim; his daughter, Anita Gillespie (Bill); sons, James (Nichole) and Chris (Lynn) and their families; her daughters, Jodie Rice (Keith) and Amy Fidler (Josh); her grandchildren, Jeremy Berry, Tanner Flinn, twins Claire and Lilly Fidler, Taylor Smith; her great-grandchildren, Savannah and Spencer Berry, Aaliyah Middleton; her sister, Bev Foster (Jimmy); her brother, Bruce Buffington (Janet); niece, Lyndsey Buffington; nephew, Army Major Matthew Buffington (Gwen, children Emily and Danielle); and her living cousins and friends. Her family is deeply grateful to the Centra Alan B. Pearson Cancer Center and all the devoted people there who helped fill Karen’s final years with love and compassionate care. Per Karen’s wishes, there will be no public visitation or service. Those desiring to make a memorial contribution may do so to the Lynchburg Humane Society, 1211 Old Graves Mill Road, Lynchburg, VA 24502. She leaves these thoughts: “I will miss you all and I have been blessed to have been. a part of your lives. I will be waiting for each of you at Heaven’s gate.”Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360 is assisting the family. To send online condolences, please visit burch-messier.com