Karen McDaniel Payne died Oct.10,1998, in a Fort Worth hospital two weeks after undergoing emergency surgery. She was 53. Karen was born May 28,1945 in Amarillo, Texas. She grew up in Plainview as the only child of farmers James and Helen McDaniel. She was a 1963 graduate of Plainview High School and a 1967 graduate of Texas Christian University. At TCU, she was a member of Delta Delta Delta Sorority. After graduation, Karen married and became the mother of Megan Mulherin. Later, Karen married again; this time to the prominent Forth Worth attorney Herschel Payne. As a Legal Secretary and then a Paralegal, she served in several Fort Worth law firms and became a well known member of the Fort Worth legal community. Karen loved animals and cared for many in her lifetime. Her most recent charges were Jackson, the nursing home kitty; Chance, the black and white kitten brought home "by chance" from the animal shelter; and Baby, a Siamese kitten rescued from abandonment. Karen was a longtime volunteer with the Humane Society of North Texas. She ask that memorials be donated there. Karen was a talented artist. She developed this talent extensively toward the end of her life, producing many beautiful landscape scenes that almost always included flowers and animals. Birds were some of her favorite subjects. The natural beauty of her paintings was enhanced by the medium she selected-acrylic on stone. She favored smooth rounded stones that conveyed the strong theme of her subjects. In her last years alcoholism took from Karen all financial security, her family, and her health. In the end, a complication even robbed her of life. This remarkably strong and resourceful woman fought the disease valiantly, at times winning impressive victories and other times losing miserably. Even in hospitalization, she could be a model patient,one often found helping the medical staff administer to others. Karen was a treasure to her loyal and lifetime friends. They knew her as a lady of grace and dignity. In time of trial, Karen did not complain, or exhibit any self-pity; she made no excuses. when she found herself among people born less fortunate she was unfailingly kind. Karen was bright, intelligent, personable and fun. She is survived by a family of friends who will forever miss the light she brought to their lives. This was written by her long time friend Kathi Clough Miller class of 63.

Picture from Kathi Clough collection.