Karyne Swayne Willoughby

With profound sadness and heartfelt gratitude for a life well lived, we celebrate the life and legacy of Karyne Swayne Willoughby, who entered eternal rest on May 18, 2026. 

Born on August 14, 1950, Karyne was the oldest child of Marvelene Swayne-Simon and the late Lawrence Swayne. As the eldest sibling, she naturally embraced the role of leader, protector, and encourager within her family. Her childhood was enriched by a close relationship with her beloved grandparents, Monteria and Vernon Heath, whose love and guidance helped shape her compassionate spirit and unwavering faith. 

From an early age, Karyne exhibited both academic excellence and a heart for service. Inspired by caring for her grandparents during periods of illness, she developed a passion for helping others that would ultimately define her life’s work. She graduated in 1968, with honors from Gary High School in Gary, West Virginia, where she was recognized for her scholastic achievements and leadership. During her senior year, she participated in the Princess Ball and received several prestigious scholarships, including an academic scholarship from the Beta Lambda Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, a National Merit Foundation Academic Scholarship, and financial support from Rock Hill Baptist Church in Gary. 

The summer following graduation, Karyne worked as a nursing assistant at Grace Hospital, where she discovered that nursing was not simply a career choice but her calling. She enrolled at Alderson-Broaddus College, supporting herself through college while continuing to work in healthcare. During her studies, she was awarded the Storer Foundation Scholarship, a program designed to support African American students of the Baptist faith. 

In 1972, Karyne earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing from Alderson-Broaddus College, becoming the fourth African American graduate of the institution’s nursing program. Never content to stop learning, she pursued postgraduate studies through West Virginia College of Graduate Studies and Marshall University, earning certifications in Critical Care Nursing and Oncology Nursing.  Karyne’s distinguished nursing career spanned more than four decades. She began her professional journey as a nursing instructor at WV Institute of Technology before expanding her career opportunities to Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, and throughout West Virginia. While her career was remarkable, Karyne’s greatest accomplishment was the way she loved and cared for people. 

A woman of deep faith, Karyne remained active in her church throughout her life. She was a member of Sylvannah Baptist Church, Spotsylvania, Virginia. Her faith guided her decisions, sustained her during life’s challenges, and inspired her commitment to serving others. She found joy in worship, fellowship, and helping those in need, living out her faith through both words and actions. 

Family was the center of Karyne’s world. She treasured every moment spent with loved ones and delighted in watching younger generations grow and flourish. Her wisdom, grace, and unconditional love created a legacy that will continue to inspire her family for years to come. 

Karyne leaves to cherish her memory her loving mother, Marvelene Swayne-Simon and her very special aunt and constant supporter, Verona Evans; her daughter, Renee Alvis (Barry II.); her beloved grandchildren Casey and Travis Alvis; also, Barry Alvis III., and Tanaisha Alvis, and her cherished great-grandchildren: Ariel, Jeremiah, and Aceyn Alvis.  She also leaves behind, her siblings: Lawrence Scott Swayne (Jaclyn), Steve Swayne, Gilda Brewton (Greg), Angela Johnson, Vernon Swayne (Stacy), and Tina Houston (Darryl). She shared a special bond with our brother in love, Jerry Arnett and dedicated nephews, Jason and Ryan. In addition to many nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and a host of dear friends and former colleagues whose lives were blessed by her kindness and compassion. 

She was preceded in death by her maternal grandparents, Vernon and Monteria Heath, paternal grandparents, Charles and Corena Swayne; father, Lawrence Swayne; her sister, Lavern Swayne Arnett, and other beloved family members who welcomed her into eternal rest. 

Though she is no longer physically with us, Karyne’s legacy of faith, service, excellence, and love will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew her. 

A Memorial Service celebrating Karyne's :life will be held at 1:00 PM on Saturday, June 27, 2026 at Greater Mount Zion Pentecostal Church, 104 Park Street in Bluefield, West Virginia.  Visitation will begin at 12:00 noon.

Service entrusted to Gregory-Page Funeral Home in Welch, West Virginia.