Mevelene “Mev” Carnes

The life of Mevelene began on May 18th 1950 in Pineville, KY, where she was born to mother Mattie and Father Kenneth Frye. From a young age, Mevelene knew a life of responsibility and what it meant to be caretaker. From the time she was a little girl she cared for her brothers and sister and began cultivating a strong work ethic that become the trademark of her life.

Mev married Billy Ray Carnes on March 22, 1966 and together they started a family, raising five children: three sons, Bill Jr. and wife Betty Carnes, Micheal and wife Angie Carnes, and two daughters, Melissa Carnes Christopher and Pamela Carnes. Daughter in law Kim Carnes Mevelene’s legacy as a devoted mother was only the beginning. She went on to found and own Mev’s Grocery & Restaurant in Arjay, KY, a beloved staple in that community that served the people for 51 years. More than just a store, Mev’s was a beacon of hope, a symbol of faith, and a testament to the power of love and self-sacrifice. As a disciple of Jesus Christ and a member of Green Camp Pentecostal Church (Pastor Gary Wagner), Mevelene’s life was a shining example of faithfulness, endurance, and devotion. Her love for her family, her community, and her store was evident in every aspect of her life. If you listened to her talk, you would only hear the echo of three subjects: Jesus, her love for family, and her store. Her legacy is one of inspiration, a reminder that our lives can be a powerful witness to the world. Mevelene was not only a successful business owner, faithful mother and wife, but also a proud grandmother. If you asked her about her greatest achievement, she would have replied, “My grandchildren.” Mev had nine grandchildren: TR Christopher, Eli Christopher, Ashley Goodin, Derrick Fugate, Megan Brock, Brandon Carnes, Nikki Goodin, and Dylan Carnes. She had sixteen great grandchildren: Shaylee, Rylee, Kabela, Jaxson, Leah, Levi, Payson, Gunner, Gatlyn, Braelynn, Hunter, Titus, Joslynn, Lakelee, Kasen, and Jace. Mevelene’s life was a life on mission for the Kingdom of God, a life that will forever impact those who had the pleasure of her company. She was a friend to many and her memory will continue to inspire generations to come.

Funeral services will be on Saturday, March 22, 2025 at Arjay Penetecostal church in Arjay, KY. at 2PM with Rev. Gary Wagner, Pastor T.R Christopher, and Pastor Dylan Carnes; burial will follow in Carnes-Messer cemetery, Knox Co. KY. Pallbearers will be her grandsons. 

The family will receive friends after 2PM on Friday, March 21, 2025 at Arjay Pentecostal church in Arjay, KY, until the funeral hour at 2PM on Saturday, March 22, 2025. The Brooks-Durham Funeral Home is honored to serve the Carnes family and ask that you keep them in prayer.