Gloria White Karnes

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, Gloria White Karnes, who passed away at Oakwood Nursing Home, Bedford, VA on January 3, 2025, at the age of 92. Mom was born in 1932 in Freemont, Michigan to Floyd Horatio White and Lillian Bell (Wright) White where she lived until age 12 when she moved to Bedford County, Virginia to live with her sister after the death of their mother. She was a dedicated and loving wife to her late husband of 43 years, Clyde (Pop) Preston Karnes, Sr. and a devoted mother and grandmother cherishing time spent caring for her family. Mom lived a fulfilling life with her family on their farm in Bedford County for 65 years, while also working at Rubatex in Bedford for 19 years. She found great pleasure in sewing and quilting and gifted each grandchild with a quilt of their own. 

Above all, mom loved the Lord and serving him. She was an active member of Mt. Olivet Baptist Church for many years. However, she had recently been attending Southside Baptist Church in Goodview, VA until her health began to fail. Mom was a kind and generous soul, always putting others’ needs before her own. Her love and compassion extended to all those who knew her, and she will be dearly missed. 

She was pre-deceased by her parents, three brothers and one sister, her son, Clyde (Buck) Karnes, Jr and daughter-in-law, Penny Karnes. She is survived by her children: Danny, Mark (Connie), David (Belinda), Laurie (Michael), Daughter-in-law, Brenda Karnes, eight grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren, and three great-great grandchildren with one on the way. Also surviving are numerous nieces, nephews, friends and special nephew, Jody Karnes. 

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in mom’s memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, American Cancer Society or World Wide New Testament Baptist Missions (designated for Mike & Mona Ward). 

The family will receive visitors on Thursday, January 9, 2025, 5:00-7:00 pm at Tharp Funeral Home, Bedford, VA. A funeral service will be held at Southside Baptist Church (1060 Hidden Forest Dr., Goodview, VA) on Friday, January 10, 2025, at 11:00 am with Rev. Donnie Glass officiating. Burial will immediately follow the service at the Mt. Olivet Baptist Church cemetery (2933 Joppa Mill Rd., Bedford, VA). 

Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Bedford, is assisting the family. To send online condolences, please visit tharpfuneralhome.com.