Karla Vandergriff Farabow

Karla Vandergriff Farabow, beloved mother, sister, aunt, minister, and friend, passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 4, 2026, in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, surrounded by her children, siblings, and dear friends. Her passing came shortly after receiving communion and an anointing ceremony.

Born on January 10, 1970, in Knoxville, Tennessee, Karla lived a life defined by faith, compassion, and fierce love. She was an ordained United Methodist minister whose life’s work centered on sharing the love of Christ, especially with those navigating trauma, grief, and adolescence. Karla had a rare gift for meeting people exactly where they were, offering presence, honesty, and grace without judgment.

Karla was the first person in her family to attend college, a milestone that reflected both her determination and her commitment to learning and service. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Tennessee and later completed her Master of Divinity from Duke Divinity School, preparing her for a life of thoughtful, compassionate, and faith-centered ministry.

Karla’s calling extended beyond the church walls. She devoted much of her professional life to serving vulnerable populations through her work with juvenile justice programs and Easter Seals, advocating for youth and individuals with disabilities with the same empathy, courage, and conviction that marked her ministry. Whether in formal ministry, social service settings, or personal relationships, Karla believed deeply in restoration, dignity, and second chances.

For six years, Karla faced metastatic melanoma with remarkable courage. Her journey included multiple treatment approaches, including immunotherapy, radiation, surgeries, and clinical trials. Throughout it all, she spoke openly about the emotional and mental health challenges of serious illness, advocating for quality of life, authenticity, and connection. Even in her hardest seasons, Karla remained deeply engaged with those she loved, drawing strength from conversations, prayer, laughter, and meaningful time with family and friends.

Above all else, Karla was a devoted mother. Her greatest joy and proudest role was being the mother of Sydney Farabow (Matthew Nunn) and John Thomas Farabow. She loved them fiercely and unconditionally. She also deeply cherished her many nieces and nephews, delighting in their lives, milestones, and the unique relationships she shared with each of them.

Karla was preceded in death by her parents, Juanita Vandergriff Mantooth and Carl Vandergriff, and by her stepfather, Bill Mantooth. She is survived by her stepmother, Mary Sue Vandergriff.

She is also survived by her siblings: Doug Vandergriff (Debbie), Robin Vandergriff Underwood (Jay), Mark Christopher Sayne (Vickie), Penny Vandergriff Behrens (James), Greg Vandergriff (Cindy), Maria Vandergriff-Avery (Christopher), and Tonya Vandergriff Childress (Todd). They are siblings by family, bound by an uncommon depth of connection, shared life, and unwavering devotion to one another.

She is further survived by her life partner, lovingly known as “my guy,” Roger Marion, and her lifelong friend and sister by choice, Sandy Hardin Franks (Chris).

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, January 24, at 1:00 p.m. at Lake Junaluska Memorial Chapel, 50 Chapel Drive, Lake Junaluska, North Carolina, a place of deep spiritual significance to Karla, where she was ordained as a United Methodist minister and where her walk of faith was profoundly shaped. This location was chosen as a central gathering place for Karla’s Tennessee and North Carolina family and friends. The service will be followed by a time of fellowship with the family.

A graveside service will be held on Sunday, January 25, at 11:00 a.m., at New Gray Cemetery, 2724 Western Avenue, Knoxville, Tennessee, where Karla will be laid to rest beside her beloved Mamaw Rollins. The family finds deep meaning in both her passing and her burial taking place on a Sunday, a reflection of the faith and hope that guided Karla’s life.

Karla loved deeply and lived authentically. Her faith was not only something she believed, but it was also something she practiced daily through service, advocacy, and love. Her legacy lives on through her children, her family, her ministry, and the countless lives she touched.

“Well done, good and faithful servant.” — Matthew 25:23

Hayworth-Miller Silas Creek Chapel is serving the family.