She was born on June 16, 1930 in Memphis, TN to the late Earl and Clara Meredith Adcock.
Loretha was very active in the community as a business woman, mother, grandmother and great grandmother.
She was the founder and a Director of Calvary Ministries, a Tennessee nonprofit organization. Loretha ministered to others through her time and talent through counseling, Bible studies, and letter writing. She worked with Karnes Kids to provide food, clothes, school supplies and etc. to the needy in the community. She has served as minister, Sunday School teacher, Children’s Church Director, Missionette leader, pianist, choir director and minister’s wife. She was active in her Sunday School Class at Northside Assembly of God, hosted many Sunday School Class activities. (This group affectionately labeled her “troublemaker”.)
Loretha has served in a number of professional roles throughout the years including teaching in the public schools and doing artwork for local schools and colleges. She has been a business owner, and employee at Karnes Legal Services.
Loretha was instrumental in starting several churches throughout the world. A wing of a Mexican Orphanage is named after her, as “Lo’s Ladies”. She regularly communicated with Missionaries encouraging them and helping with their material needs.
Loretha, otherwise known as “grandma” was a lovely picture of the Proverbs 31 woman. She exhibited confidence and strength of character. She was a beautiful and rare gem inside and out. Her family and friends trusted her. Her life and deeds were constant blessings to others. Her Godliness was marked with consistency. She used wisdom and discernment in meeting the needs of those around her.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Rev. Douglas Karnes and grandson Caleb Lott.
She has left a wonderful heritage to those around her. She is survived by her children, Lanis Karnes Loeback and husband Jerry; Melodie Karnes Williams, and husband Charles; Duane Karnes, and Celeste Karnes Lott and husband Kent. Grandchildren are Alisha Terry; Celana Allen, husband Ricky; Kristin Karnes Peasley, husband Mike; L. D. (Doug) Karnes, wife Leslie; and Logan Lott. Great grandchildren are Madison Holt, Nathan Holt, Jenna Terry, Alivya Terry, Ricky Allen, and Brenden Allen, Gavin Peasley, Kohen Peasley and soon to arrive Lincoln Douglas.
The family will receive friends and loved ones at a vistiation to be held on Friday, May 10, 2019 from 9 a.m. 12:00 pm. at the North Chapel of George A. Smith and Sons.
The funeral service will be conducted at 12 noon at Highland Memorial Gardens with Pastor Randy Carter officiating. Interment will follow the service at Highland Memorial Gardens.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested memorials be directed to Calvary Ministries to further Loretha’s missions which may be sent to Karnes Legal Services or deposited at Commercial Bank.
