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On June 25, 2021, Thaye Ann Richards Kearns completed life’s physical journey and accepted the blessings of eternity. Ann was a uniquely loving and caring person of tremendous faith and strength. She was an unpretentious person who liked who she was, was proud of what she was able to accomplish and was never reluctant to pursue her beliefs.

She was born in Suffolk to James Edward Richards Sr. and Martha Athalia Joyner Richards. Ann received a Bachelor of Science degree in mathematics from Randolph Macon Women’s College in 1969 and that same year married Curtis A. Kearns Jr. They began their married life in Washington, D.C. Professionally, she was an early childhood education teacher who taught, advocated for, and improved the lives of hundreds of children throughout her career.

She is survived by her husband of 51 years, the Rev. Curtis A. Kearns Jr., of Midlothian; son, C. Andre Kearns III (Nadine), of Washington, D.C.; daughter, Chandra A. Kearns, of Louisville, Ky.; grandchildren Julien A. Kearns and Jacques C. Kearns, of Washington, D.C.; brother, James E. Richards Jr. (Ophelia), of Poughkeepsie, N.Y.; sister, Patricia L. Richards-Spruill (John), of Suffolk; sister-in-law, Ida K. Adams, of Goldsboro, N.C.; brother-in-law, Ronald E. Kearns, of Ellicott City, Md.; and many nieces, nephews, grand-nieces, grand-nephews, and cousins who are left to celebrate her life and legacy.

A viewing and funeral will take place at 10 a.m. and 11 a.m., respectively, on Friday, July 2, 2021, at Southminster Presbyterian Church, 7500 Hull Street Road, North Chesterfield. Burial will take place at noon Saturday, July 3, 2021, at Lincoln Memorial Cemetery, Hillcrest, Md.