Karen Markoff Robinson

Karen Markoff Robinson, age 65, passed away unexpectedly on March 5 in Knoxville, TN. A true daughter of the Commonwealth, Karen was born in 1960 in Richmond, Virginia before settling in Williamsburg for her youth. Karen was a proud graduate of Tabb High School and a dedicated staff member at Busch Gardens. She then matriculated at the University of Tennessee where she was a resident advisor, a sister in the Alpha Xi Delta sorority, and a member of the Color Guard in the Pride of the Southland Marching Band. For the next forty-plus years, she would make it a priority to cheer on and show unmitigated support for the Vols even when they did their best to disappoint her! One of the great highlights of Karen's life was the 1982 World’s Fair, as it is where she met the love of her life, Pace. Married in 1985, they quickly committed to making a life in Knoxville. Their two sons, Eli and Asher, were born shortly thereafter, after which Karen dedicated her life to raising her boys and volunteering for the community that she loved. Karen was always one to be there for the people of East Tennessee. She contributed her time and effort to Silver Dollar City, Fort Kid, Knoxville’s Community Development Corporation, Arnstein Jewish Community Center, Knoxville Jewish Alliance, the Judaic Studies Department at UT, and the UT Alumni Board of Directors. She even moonlit as a local tour guide, and reviews of her excursions were exemplary. When not out and about in the community, Karen was an even more august wife, mother, and grandmother, along with friend and mentor. She cared so deeply for those in her life, and she would often ask what she could do to make their lives better. Friends and family were her top priority and she made sure they knew it each and every day. Sure, there was some tough love here and there, but that was just her way of showing how much her people mattered to her. She is survived by her mother Sondra Markoff and her aunts Jacqueline Gural and Linda Neville. She is also survived by her sons Eli Robinson (Sarah Scheinman) and Asher Robinson (Laura Diamond), grandchildren Poppy, Ollie, and Shellie, and many beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins. Karen was preceded in death by her husband, S. Pace Robinson, father, Edwin Markoff, and parents-in-law Mitchell and Natalie Robinson. Karen’s funeral is Monday, March 9 at 10:00 AM at Heska Amuna Synagogue, 3811 Kingston Pike. A graveside service will follow at the New Jewish Cemetery, 1800 Glenn Avenue. In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to: The Knoxville Jewish Alliance, Friendship Children’s Center in Washington D.C., or 14th Street Y in New York City.

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Karen Markoff Robinson

March 5, 2026