Pamilla Jo Karnes, 73, passed away peacefully on February 11, 2026, at Grant Hospital, and was welcomed into the arms of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Pam lived a life grounded in faith, compassion, and unwavering love for her family. She had a gentle way of caring for others—whether through her work, her friendships, or the everyday kindness she offered so freely—and her presence was a steady source of comfort and strength to those who knew her best.

Pam was born on August 27, 1952, to Frank and Joann Clarke. She grew up in Columbus, Ohio, and graduated from South High School with the Class of 1972. From an early age, Pam had a heart for caring for others. She spent time volunteering as a candy striper at Grant Hospital, a role that reflected her lifelong desire to help and comfort those around her.

Pam served as a nanny for the Sams family, who loved her as their own and welcomed her into their lives as family, and even after she had children of her own, she continued to help and support them with the same devotion and love. She also provided in‑home child care and later worked at Children's Academy. Pam sold Avon for more than 35 years and received multiple awards for top sales in her district, a role she took great pride in and poured her heart into. Because of her hard work and dedication, Pam earned many trips throughout her years of selling—experiences she treasured and spoke of often. She approached every job with patience, gentleness, and a genuine love for the people around her. Her life's work was rooted in service—especially to children and families—and she touched countless lives through her steady kindness.

Outside of work, Pam found joy in the simple pleasures that made life sweet. She bowled for several years on a morning league, where she built friendships and shared plenty of laughter. She enjoyed playing bingo in her free time and cherished the many hours she spent at Deer Creek State Park, a place where she felt peaceful and connected to the world around her.

Pam's greatest joy was her family. She married the love of her life, James F. Karnes, Jr., in August of 1978, and together they built a life filled with love, faith, and devotion. She was a proud mother to Scott (Bobbie) Karnes and Melissa (Stephan) Johnson, and she loved her step‑granddaughter Sara Evans and her step great‑grandchildren Addison, Lillian, Ricki, and Rowena. Pam was one of six children and is survived by her siblings Sandy (Mike) Bellamy and Robert Clarke. She shared an especially deep bond with her sister Sandy, who was not only her sibling but her lifelong friend. She treasured her nephews Tom (LeAnn) Bellamy and David (John) Bellamy‑Bise, and she loved all of her nieces and nephews on Jimmy's side just as deeply — to Pam, family was family, and it never mattered how you were related. She is also survived by her sisters‑in‑law Eve Clarke, Diane (Gene) Skaggs, and Cathy (Gary) Benjamin. She was preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Joann, her brother John, and her sisters Hazel Dalton and Helen Sheeley. Also preceding her in death on Jimmy's side were his parents, James and Ruth Karnes; his sisters, Janie Karnes and Barbara (Dave) Starr; and his brother, David Karnes.

Pam's circle of friends and extended family was wide, and she loved them all dearly. To Pam, family was never measured in degrees—there was no second, third, or fourth cousin. If you were family, you knew it, and she made sure you felt it. Her parents and Jimmy's parents raised their families side by side as neighbors, and because of that, the Karnes and Clarke children grew up together, forming lifelong bonds that shaped their lives. Her gentle spirit, warm smile, and quiet strength made her a source of comfort to many, and her faith guided her through every season of life. She had a way of bringing lightness into even the simplest moments, often saying with a grin, "Never a dull moment." And in her own playful way, she reminded her doctor, "You can take anything away from me, but not my steak or ice cream." Those small expressions captured her humor, her honesty, and the joy she found in life's everyday pleasures.

A Celebration of Life will be held on March 22, 2026, at 2 PM – 4 PM at Madison Christian Church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association at www.alz.org in Pam's name.

May her memory be a blessing, her love a steady light, and her spirit forever at peace in the arms of her Savior. Though she has gone home, the kindness and joy she shared will echo in our hearts always.