Helen Irene Karnes

Helen Irene Karnes, age 96, of Knoxville, peacefully passed away on September 20, 2021 at her home surrounded by loved ones. Irene was born on January 19, 1925 to William Arnold and Osie (Fowler) Arnold of Powell. She had 4 brothers, W.N. Arnold (deceased), Gene Arnold (deceased), Gaines (Ab) Arnold, Wayne Arnold, Jerry Arnold (deceased) and Gary Arnold (deceased). She also leaves her sister and best friend, Dorothy (Dot) Burchett. Irene married Adrian Karnes, Sr. in 1942, whom she deeply loved and was married to for 63 years before his passing in 2005. Irene went to work at Palm Beach Mill outlet in 1967, where she retired after 20 years of service. She was a member of Marble City Baptist Church. Irene was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, friend and a faithful follower of her Lord Jesus Christ. Irene had 4 sons, Adrian (A.G.) Karnes Jr. (wife Becki), Nathan (Leon) Karnes (wife Linda), Fred Karnes (wife Judy), and Don Karnes (wife Debbie). She had 9 grandchildren, Deborah Hayes (husband Glen), Fred Karnes, Jr. (wife Susan), Mike Karnes (wife Carolyn), Chris Karnes (wife Bridgette), Richard Karnes (deceased) - wife Tammy, Amanda Rogers, Donna Karnes, Matthew Karnes and Grant Karnes. She had 13 great grandchildren, Drinnen Hayes (wife Lane), Collin Karnes, Bethany Karnes, Cameron Karnes, Isaiah Karnes, Campbell Karnes, Austin Rodgers, Hannah Rogers, Dade Karnes, Bella Karnes, Ambriel Karnes (deceased), Hunter Karnes, Aaron Karnes. Great grandchildren are Kaylee Hayes, Lexie Hayes, Nevaeh Hayes, Gavin Hayes and Vada Hayes. Special friend and caregiver, Ann Baker. Friends and relatives are invited to pay your respects and say goodbye at Mynatt Home in Fountain City on Thursday, September 23, 2021 from 11:00am until 7:00pm. Family and friends will meet at 9:15am Friday, September 24, 2021 at Mynatt Funeral Home Fountain City Chapel to leave in procession for a 10:00am graveside service at Sharon Baptist Church Cemetery. Grandsons will be pallbearers. Online condolences can be made at www.mynattfh.com