Emma Jean Kearns

Emma Jean Kearns was born in Pageton, West Virginia in 1932 to the late Rosa Mitchell and Curtis Huff. She gained her wings and peacefully transitioned to be with the Lord on Wednesday, March 31 while in hospice care at Brookdale Lakeview Crossing in Groveport, OH.

After a family move from the Midwest to the east coast, Emma completed her formal education in Syracuse Public School District in New York. After graduation, she would return to her Midwestern roots and settle down in Columbus, Ohio where she worked for The Ohio State University hospital system (University Hospital) as an aide.

In 1952, she married the love of her life, James Kearns, and they remained inseparable for more than 60 years. With newfound support and an unyielding self-motivation, she sought out a new opportunity and landed a role with Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company as an Insurance Claims Adjuster. During her 26-year tenure, she was one of the first agents to pioneer the Medicare claims process which she would become ironically reacquainted with later in life.

Emma accepted Christ at an early age and nurtured her four boys in a God-fearing and loving home. As a member of Clair United Methodist Church (UMC) for more than 60 years, she was active in PPRC, United Methodist Women, The Willie Spencer Circle, Church Nurses Corp, Vacation Bible School and served as church treasurer.

A beloved community member, she always found ways to make a difference in the lives of others. She was a founding member of the now-defunct Geers Avenue Association, which was instrumental in advocating and securing funding for the Driving Park Library. She was also an active member of Marion Franklin “Sister Act” Line Dance Group and Kappa Gamma Rho, a local public-service sorority.

Her boundless benevolence also came in the form of strawberry bread, peach cobbler or groceries that would find their way to several doorsteps throughout Columbus. Her kindness knew no limits, as neighbors, friends and even the mailman would often get sweet treats, “just because”.

In her retirement, she found her second wind as she became an avid race car driver becoming a gold medalist in the Malibu Grand Prix. She also enjoyed traveling and shopping with her beloved, late sister-in-law Joyce Kearns, and attending OSU football games.

Graceful and beautiful, she bonded with an equally classy crew of life-long friends including Dru Adams, Lauretta Marbury, Shirley Hairston and the late, Helen Eubanks who shared a mix of sisterhood, service and more shopping!

Emma is preceded in death by her parents, her husband of 62 years, James Kearns; sisters Genetta Moore and Rosetta Green; brother, Curtis Harvey; and son, Allen Wesley Kearns, Sr. She will be lovingly remembered by, sons, William “Greg” (Portia) Kearns, Ronald Vinson and Keith Kearns; grandchildren, Tiffany White, Alex Blevins, Tamika (Omar) Vinson-Reid, Allen Kearns, Preston Kearns and Alecia Kearns, as well as a host of other great grandchildren, relatives and friends.

PUBLIC Visitation 4:00 PM

PRIVATE Funeral Service 6:00 PM Wednesday, April 7, 2021 at Clair United Methodist Church, 293 E. Barthman 43207.