Thaye Ann (Richards) Kearns

Thaye Ann (Richards) Kearns

Thaye Ann Richards Kearns, an early childhood education specialist credited with improving the lives of hundreds of children throughout her career, died June 25 at age 74.

Born in Suffolk, Virginia, she was described as a uniquely loving and caring person of tremendous faith and strength.

In a recent social media post, her husband of 51 years, the Rev. Curtis A. Kearns Jr., former executive administrator in the Office of the Executive Director in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)’s General Assembly Council, wrote, “It is with deep sorrow that I inform all our friends and loved ones of the death of Thaye Ann Richards Kearns after a long struggle with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease. Ann had a strong faith, a beautiful soul and a wonderful spirit and she leaves an enduring legacy of care and nurture that will benefit us all. Rest in peace my dear.”

Kearns received her bachelor of science degree in mathematics from Randolph Macon Woman’s College (now Randolph College)  in 1969 and she earned a master’s degree in education from Trinity College, now Trinity Washington University, in Washington D.C., then entered the workforce as a teacher.

Read Ann Kearns obituary at Presbyterianmission.org.