Karen Marie Paisley Stence, 57, of Panama City, Fl passed away unexpectedly on September 3, 2015, while on a business trip to Washington DC.
Karen was born in Elkins, West Virginia to loving parents Richard and Edith Paisley. She grew up in Pittsburg, PA and joined the U.S. Air Force shortly after her 18th birthday. She proudly served as an Air Traffic Controller for twenty years in numerous stations overseas and stateside. While on active duty she earned her Bachelor and Master of Science Degrees in Computer Science from Oklahoma City University. She retired in 1996 as the Chief Controller of Edwards AFB, CA. Shortly after retiring she moved to Whidbey Island, WA, where she joined Civil Service as a Computer Scientist. After 7 years in Washington where she worked as an Aircraft Simulator Program Manager for the EA-6B and EP-3 aircraft, she transferred to NSWC Panama City, FL, where she served in a number of productive and challenging lead engineer positions supporting mine warfare, mine rollers, Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) certification programs, and modeling and simulation for the LCS.
Karen was a special person to very many people. She was extremely intelligent and soft spoken, an artist with astounding talent, a gourmet cook, a best friend to many, a lover of animals, and if you truly knew Karen, you loved her.
Karen is preceded in death by her parents and her brother, David Robert Paisley. Left to cherish her memory is her husband, Robert (Bob) Stence, her uncle Dr. John Paisley (Pasco, WA), her mother-in-law Patsy Wildrix (Longview, TX), her step-daughter and family Elizabeth, Clay, and Adam Parsley (Corpus Christi, TX), her special in-laws Diana Paisley (Richmond, VA), Larry and Lisa Stence (Hurst, TX), Ed and Peggy Stence (Longview, TX), Shane and Cindy Stence (Longview, TX), Tom Stence (Longview, TX), and her special niece Deanna Paisley (Celebration, FL), and special nephew Markus Stence (Longview, TX).
In accordance with Karen's wishes there will be no memorial or celebration of life service. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Humane Society of Bay County in her name or adopt a homeless pet.