Sybil Kerns

Sybil Kerns, 89, of Greenville, died safely in the arms of Jesus on Saturday, Jan. 30, 2010 at the Elizabeth House in Flat Rock, N.C., following a lengthy stay at Universal Healthcare in Fletcher, N.C. Miss Kerns was born on Dec. 7, 1920 in Greenville to her late parents, James Wilson "Ben" Kerns and Hattie Matilda Davidson Kerns. She graduated Parker High School before going on to a number of jobs, including a caregiver for generations of children in and around the Paris Mountain area. She was an ardent member of Buncombe Road Baptist Church, where she was active in her Sunday School class and the Women's Missionary Union. She taught Sunbeams, summer Bible School, and Sunday School during her many years spent in the church. Sybil's gift to the world was her compassion, giving and caring for all around her. No children of her own, she – during her entire life – went out of her way to ensure safety, a strong upbringing and the wisdom of the Lord to all of her loved ones, their children and their grandchildren. Everyone around her felt the influence of her love. In addition to her parents, Sybil was preceded in death by her brother, John Clifford "Pete" Kerns, two nephews, John D. "Pete" Kerns and Charles Bobo "Chuck" Barksdale III, and a niece, Rumelle Kerns Cox. Sybil is survived by her sister, Iris Kerns "Ikey" Barksdale of Greenville, two nieces, Brenda Joy Barksdale Jones of Raleigh, N.C., and Melony Lee Barksdale Petty of Greenville, and a number of great nephews and great nieces. Friends and family are invited to celebrate her life at a funeral service at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at Thomas McAfee Funeral Home, Northwest Chapel, 6710 White Horse Road, Greenville. Family will receive friends beginning at 9 a.m. The committal service will be at the Ebenezer Baptist Church cemetery, 28 Ebenezer Church Rd. in Travelers Rest.