Tim and Jeanne Payne of Covington announce the engagement of their daughter Kari Payne to Lance Knight of Covington, son of Kenneth and Donna Knight of Covington.

The bride-elect is the granddaughter of Owida Reese of Social Circle and the late Jesse Reese and Billy and Micki Payne of Conyers. She is a graduate of Salem High School and Georgia Southern University with a bachelor's degree in business administration. She is employed by Clairon Metals Corp. as a human resources generalist.

The future groom is the grandson of the late Donald Kitchens of Covington, the late Maggie Knight Dalton of Mansfield. He is a graduate of Newton County High School and is employed by the U.S. Postal Service and is owner of Knight's Pressure Washing.

The couple plan to wed May 23 at Gaither's Plantation.