Jinnie Kathleen Karnes

Jinnie Kathleen (Gillespie) Karnes, 76, of Tulsa, Oklahoma, passed away on Monday, January 6, 2025, in Tulsa. She was born on September 24, 1948, in Fort Gibson, Oklahoma, to Elmer Andrew and Ella Mae (Raper) Gillespie. Jinnie attended Fort Gibson Public Schools and later studied Computer Science at Tulsa Junior College and Oklahoma State University. On May 16, 1966, Jinnie married the love of her life, Johnie Dee Karnes, Jr. in Fort Gibson. Their marriage spanned over 58 years of love and laughter and devotion to each other and their two children, Ivan and Karin. The family made their home in Tulsa, where Jinnie worked as a Computer Network Administrator for Helmerich and Payne until her retirement in 2010. A dedicated member of the Order of Eastern Stars, Jinnie lived a life enriched by her many passions. Ever curious, she was an avid reader with a deep appreciation for history, science, nature, and biographies. Her love for cooking and baking was evident during the holidays when she shared her homemade treats with friends, family, and neighbors. Jinnie was in awe of the wonders of nature and found joy in flowers, trees, birdwatching, and visiting botanical gardens. Her beloved labradors, Madd Maxx and Dexter, brought her joy and laughter and held a special place in her heart. Jinnie is preceded in death by her parents; her sisters, Jackie Charlene and Dorothea Eubanks; and her brothers, Johnnie Nichols, Bobby Gillespie, Gary Gillespie, and Billy Joe Ragsdale. She is survived by her devoted husband, Johnie Dee Karnes, Jr. of Tulsa; her son, Ivan Dee Karnes of Tulsa; her daughter, Karin Beth Karnes Sullivan of Atlanta, Georgia; her sister, Martha Ann; niece, Janice Yandell; sister-in-law, Karen Gillespie; nephews, Johnnie Dale Nichols and Mike Eubanks; cousin, William Raper; as well as extended family and many dear friends. Jinnie leaves behind a legacy of unconditional love and dedication. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her. A visitation with family greeting friends will be 5PM-7PM, Monday, January 13, 2025 at Clifford D Garrett Family Funeral Home in Fort Gibson. The family is honoring Jinnie with a private family interment at a later date. The family of Jinnie Kathleen (Gillespie) Karnes has entrusted her care, service, and burial to Clifford D Garrett Family Funeral Home, Fort Gibson. 918-478-2555. Online condolences may be left for the Karnes family at clifforddgarrettfamilyfh.com

Jinnie Kathleen Karnes

September 24, 1948 - January 6, 2025