January 2, 1961 ~ June 1, 2025 (age 64)
Karen Delaine Horne, a guiding light of creativity and zest for life, passed away on June 1, 2025, in Valley, Alabama, surrounded by the love of her family. Born on January 2, 1961, in Columbus, Georgia, Karen was a woman whose vibrant spirit and caring nature left an indelible mark on all who knew her. Karen’s journey began as the cherished daughter of James Arlinge Nixon and Wanda Ruth Nixon.
She grew up alongside her sister, Eleanor Ann Wilkerson, forming an unbreakable bond that would last a lifetime. The joy in Karen’s life multiplied when she met and married the love of her life, Eugene “Bubba” Horne, Jr., who preceded her in death, as did her devoted parents and her beloved in-laws, Velma Simpson Horne and Eugene Horne, Sr., along with her sister-in-law, Dorothy Elaine “Lannie” Sledge. A proud graduate of high school, Karen’s passion for art and history propelled her into a fulfilling career teaching art at Springwood School in Lanett. She inspired countless students with her eccentric and artsy nature, encouraging them to explore the world through their creativity.
Karen’s dynamic presence and caring approach to teaching left a legacy that will be remembered for generations to come. Karen’s life was a full of adventure and spirited endeavors. She was an avid treasure hunter, always seeking the next great find whether it be through magnet fishing or scouring the beach for hidden gems. Her love for travel took her to many places, each adventure adding to her collection of life stories.
Karen’s hands were rarely still, as she found joy in molding clay into beautiful art. Her heart was as open as her door, and she extended her love and care to her honorary daughter, Alicia Miles, and a host of cousins who will miss her dearly. Karen’s daughters, Cierra Horne (Dillon Mount) and Hannah Horne (Tristian Gamble), and granddaughter, Cooper, were the pride of her life. She instilled in them the values of kindness, curiosity, and the importance of a life well-lived. Her sister, Eleanor, along with her brother-in-law, Roland Sledge, nieces Leah Sledge and Emily Sledge Ingram (Ian), and her great-nephews Lucas Deason and Tanner Ingram, and great-niece Willow Ingram, will hold onto the memories of Karen’s laughter and the warmth of her embrace.
Karen’s life was a dance, and she moved through it with an adventurous and spirited rhythm that was uniquely her own. Her legacy is one of love, art, and the pursuit of joy.
As we say goodbye to Karen Delaine Horne, we celebrate a life lived to the fullest, a canvas painted with the bright colors of her soul, and a story that will continue to inspire all who had the pleasure of being part of her world.
Service will be planned at a later date.
Please visit Karen’s Memorial Tribute page at www.johnsonbrownservicefh.com to leave a kind word for her family, to share a memory of Karen, or to light a Remembrance Candle in her memory.
Johnson Brown-Service Funeral Home of Valley is directing.
