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Karen Lynn Rentz, 66, of Bainbridge, passed away Thursday, September 28, 2023.

The memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 1, 2023, at Bryant Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. DeWitt Phillips officiating.

The family will receive friends immediately following the service. Online visitors may sign the guest register at www.bryantfuneralga.com. Memorial donations may be made to Bainbridge-Decatur County Humane Society, 1250 Cox Avenue, Bainbridge, GA 39819.

Karen Lynn Rentz was born April 22, 1957, in Bainbridge, Ga., the daughter of Thurman “Buddy” Rentz and Helen Johnson Palmetto. She was a graduate of Nassau High School in Long Island, N.Y. Karen worked as a certified nursing assistant. A native of southwest Georgia, Karen returned to her roots in 1999. She was Catholic by faith. 

Karen fit every descriptor of “life of the party”. She enjoyed family gatherings, cooking, and never had a hair out of place. Karen was known to cook for a hundred even though only five would show up. She was a caretaker by nature and became a mother figure to her children’s friends. She would give you the shirt off her back and shoot it straight to you all at the same time. Karen never liked driving but also never minded telling you how to drive. Her two favorite places on earth were the beach and anywhere her grandchildren might be.

Survivors include her children, Cara & Brandon Mitchell of Camden, S.C. and Karissa & Harold Vickers, Jr. of Brinson, Ga.; her grandchildren, Mara Lee, Kree Franky, Mackienzie (Gabe), and Emori; her siblings, Tami Barineau, Traci Smith (Daryl) all of Bainbridge, and Stacey Daughtry (Robbie) of Brinson; a special nephew, Greg Fletcher; a special friend & companion, Ralph Baldwin; and the father of her children, Gary Bono. Karen was preceded in death by her parents, Thurman Lloyd “Buddy” Rentz and Helen & Bill Palmetto; her siblings, Hal Rentz and Karla Fletcher; and her beloved dog, PJ.

Bryant Funeral Home, located at 105 N. Florida Street, is assisting the family with arrangements. (229-246-3321)