V. Nadine Karnes Obituary (1947 - 2022)

V. Nadine Karnes, 74, of Lakeland, FL, formerly of Decatur, IL, died at 6:26 p.m. on Thursday, February 17, 2022 at Lakeland Regional Hospital. Nadine was born on April 24, 1947, in Decatur, IL to Kennes and Mabel (Kirk) Karnes. Nadine graduated from Eisenhower High School of Decatur in 1967, and the LPN School of Nursing in 1968. Upon graduation she started her nursing career at St. Mary's Hospital in Decatur. She spent two years working at a hospital in Hobe Sound, FL, then returned to St. Mary's. After working as a nurse for a few years, a back injury led Nadine to pursue another career as an Administrative Assistant that allowed her to continue working at St. Mary's Hospital of Decatur for 42 years. Upon retirement from St. Mary's Hospital (in 2012), Nadine continued to volunteer at the hospital for several years. Nadine was a member of the Pilgrim Holiness Church in Decatur and was the organist there for many years. She loved attending church and church camps. Nadine was a friend to all, and a stranger to none. Her effervescent and warm personality lit up a room, and affected all those she came in contact with. In 2018 she moved to Light and Life Park in Lakeland, Florida where she made a new group of friends that she enjoyed spending time with, playing games and enjoying retirement. She will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her. Nadine is survived by cousins Gayle (David) Hooks of Mason, IL, Karen (Earl) Wright of Lakeland, FL, Jane (Tom) Foval of Mountain View, MO, Margaret Scott of Peoria, IL, Dan (Linda) Sutton of Mt. Zion, IL, Louis (Lorelei) Kirk of Costa Mesa, CA and George (Alice) Bray of Decatur, IL. She was preceded in death by her parents Kennes and Mabel Karnes; paternal grandparents Osrow and Matilda Karnes; maternal grandparents Roy and Etta Kirk; and several aunts, uncles and cousins. Services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, February 25, 2022 at Dawson & Wikoff West Wood Street Funeral Home. The family will receive friends for a time of visitation one hour prior to the service. Nadine will be laid to rest in Macon County Memorial Park Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be directed to Pilgrim Holiness Church, Decatur, IL.