Karen Ann Payne White, passed away peacefully at her home on Jan.29, 2025, in Estill Springs at the age of 59 surrounded by her loving family.

She was born on Aug. 13, 1965, in Winchester to Elbert Payne and Joan Clark. Karen was the protector of many, Nana to all and the joy you needed on the darkest of days. She never met a stranger and if you stuck around long enough you would sure to be swept under her outstretched arms. Karen enjoyed cooking for her family, working puzzles and sharing a coloring book with her grandkids.  She was a passionate Tennessee Vols fan and a crime show enthusiast, but her greatest joy in life was being with those she loved deeply. She was the call you made when you needed a recipe, to heal a heartache, to kiss a boo-boo and to provide advice with no judgment, borders or limits. Her sense of humor and God ordained desire to help others through this journey to Heaven will be what the world and her family will miss the most.

Karen is preceded in death by her parents Elbert Payne and Joan Clark and Joyce and Elmer Kennedy as well as her sweet nephew Rayce Kennedy of Winchester.

She is survived by her loving and devoted husband of 44 years Dennis White, Sr. and her children Jessica White of Winchester, Tennessee and Dennis White, Jr. (Kayla) of Lynchburg.

She is survived by her grandchildren, the greatest joys of her life, Destiny and Daniel Cornelison of Estill Springs, Tennessee and Preslee and Paxton White of Lynchburg, Tennessee. Karen is also survived by her loving sisters Tammy Payne and April Arnold (Joey) both of Winchester and Kristy Grindstaff (Steven) of Candler, N.C., as well as her brothers Jeff Kennedy (Missy) of Athens, Ala., Mark Kennedy (Tina) of Winchester, James Kennedy (Judy) of Clinton, Jeremy Payne (Shelley) of Guyton, Georgia and William Payne of Brooklet, Georgia and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews whom she adored.

Services were held Saturday, Feb. 1, 2025, in the Chapel of Grant Funeral Services with Pastor Christopher Mullins, officiating. Interment followed at Mt. Garner Cemetery, Decherd with Daniel Cornelison, Darrell Kanady, Hayden Ward, Malachi Burks, Asa Jones and Alec Kennedy serving as pallbearers. 

Grant Funeral Services was in charge of arrangements.

Tullahoma News – Feb. 5, 2025