Karen Annette Payne was born April 12, 1964, to the late Joseph (Gus) Payne and Brenda Payne in Gulfport, MS. She was a graduate of Pass Christian High School. She attended Gulf Coast Community College and majored in Business Administration.

The family of Karen Payne is saddened to announce her passing on May 23, 2023 with her family by her side. Karen was a life-long resident of Pass Christian. She was a member of Our Mother of Mercy Catholic Church, and an active member of the Ladies Auxiliary. She was a devoted mother and sister. Karen was a dear friend to everyone she encountered. In her spare time, she enjoyed spending time with her daughter, playing cards, talking on the phone, and attending family gatherings. Karen was employed with Gulf Coast Community Action Agency Head Start for many years and Memorial Hospital. She was preceded in death by her grandparents Alfred and Alice Bennett, her parents Joseph (Gus) and Brenda Payne, her sister Constance (Connie) Coleman, and her great-niece Brooklyn Coleman.

She leaves to cherish her memories one daughter Alexis Payne of Pass Christian MS; two sisters: Lana Avery of Gulfport, MS and Arnetta Brown of Killeen, TX; 5 nephews: Richard (Precious) Dedeaux of Pass Christian, MS, Reginald (Dominique) Dedeaux of Round Rock, TX, Rashad (Meagan) Coleman of Gulfport, MS, Devaun Brown and Desmond Brown of Killeen, TX; 2 nieces: Raven Coleman of Gulfport, MS, and Lauren Avery of Atlanta, GA; a special friend: James Polk; great nieces, great nephews, aunt, cousins, family and friends.