Martha Karnes Lynn

At age 83, being born on February 23, 1938, Marty passed from this life on May 30, 2021. She was married to Joe Mac Lynn for 65 years. A native of Indiana, Marty and Mac once resided in Kentucky, Florida, Mississippi, New York, Arkansas, Oregon, and Tennessee before settling in Nashville in 1986. She was mother to four: Karen (David) Morris of Brentwood, TN, Monty (Libby) Lynn of Abilene, TX, Kim (Matt) Johnston of Spring, TX, and Richie (Buffy) of Memphis, TN; grandmother to eight: Aaron (Katy) Morris of Wyoming, OH, Jon David (Krissy) Morris of Brownsboro, AL, Michael Morris of Deer Park, OH, Hilary (Mark) Jurgens of Hendersonville, TN, Kate (Chris) Kidd of Spring, TX, Ryan (Valerie) Lynn of Abilene, TX, Kristie (Nick) DeStefano of Sugarland, TX, and Audrey Lynn of Memphis, TN. She was great-grandmother to even more. In addition to the family members listed above, Marty is survived by sisters Alice (Fred) Jewell of Searcy, AR and Marcella (Hans) Rollmann of St. John’s, Newfoundland, and by sister-in-law Sharon (Bill) Kirkland of Dyer, IN and their many descendants. She is preceded in death by her parents Glenn and Bernice Karnes, sister Grace (Keith) Wilson, and brother Arthur Karnes.

Marty held the Bachelor of Science in Medical Records Administration from The University of Tennessee Health Science Center and the Master of Arts in Religion from Harding School of Theology. During her life she held a variety of work positions including secretary to the dean of the Oregon Health and Science University. She found the most fulfilling activity as a volunteer director of student services for NationsUniversity, where she worked with international students in Egypt and Iran and with prison inmates in the U.S. Even though she bore the pains associated with multiple sclerosis from young adulthood and multiple myeloma in her closing months, Marty managed to execute research into Muslim culture in the interest of missions. She was able to travel to 38 countries, including 26 visits to Egypt.

The funeral is scheduled at Harpeth Hills Church of Christ, 1949 Old Hickory Boulevard, Brentwood, on Saturday, June 5, at 11:00 a.m., with visitation from 9:00-10:45 a.m. and burial at 3:00 p.m. at Harpeth Hills Memory Gardens, 9090 Highway 100, Nashville, Tennessee. If one should wish to give a financial gift in memory, the family suggests NationsUniversity, 650 Poydras St., Ste. 1400, PMB 133, New Orleans, LA 70130. Business formal dress (coat and tie) for the funeral would be appreciated.