Karen Sue Payne, 62, of Asheville, NC passed away August 28, 2016. She was the daughter of the late Commodore and Lula Kate Atkins Payne. In addition to her parents she is preceded in death by a brother, Johnny Payne and sister, Lisa Payne. Karen enjoyed living in UMAR group home for 17 years and was a dedicated employee of Goodwill Industries for many years and both were like a second family for Karen. Her hobbies included her artwork and writing poetry and Karen also enjoyed meeting friends old and new and will be greatly missed for her sunny smile and happy disposition.
Karen is survived by a sister, Dee Rice (Paul) of Weaverville; brother, Robert J Payne (Dottie) of Barnardsville; 5 nieces, 2 nephews and several great nieces and nephews.
A funeral service will be held 7:00pm Wednesday, August 31, 2016 at Robbie Capps Memorial Chapel of Blue Ridge Funeral Service. Pastor Rusty Smart will conduct the service. The family will receive friends from 5-7:00 prior to the service. Burial will be held 3:00pm Thursday, September 1 at Big Ivy Cemetery in Barnardsville, NC.