Mabel W. Kearns

Mabel Williams Kearns was born on June 7, 1926, and departed into Eternal Rest on Tuesday, May 21, 2024, peacefully in her sleep at home.

She was predeceased by her father and mother, Eulalia W. Jackson; her husband, Luther Kearns, to whom she was devoted; two sisters, Katherine Flowers and Elise Blakely; and two daughters, Hazel K. Swain and Betty (Bebop) Kearns.

Mabel grew up in Clinton, S.C. where she graduated from Bell Street High School, Class of 1944. She then moved to Charlotte, N.C. where she attended Johnson C. Smith University and received an Associate's Degree. During that time, she met a handsome young man, Luther Kearns, whom she called “Luke” and became his wife of 56 years. As a result of their union, three girls were born. Mabel attended McCrorey Branch Y.M.C.A Business Education program and graduated Class President in 1954.

In 1954, she began working at Winston Mutual Insurance Company, which later became known as Golden State Mutual Insurance Company. She was the office receptionist and cashier with various responsibilities. She traveled and attended various business conferences. She retired in 1991 after working 37 years faithfully.

Growing up in a home with the foundation of faith, she attended and became a member of Seventh Street Presbyterian Church in uptown Charlotte, now known as First United Presbyterian Church. She was a lifelong member, participating in the various programs, especially the fitness program until the decline in her health.

During her free time, she loved working in the yard, growing vegetables and flowers. She was an amazing seamstress, making clothes for her family, curtains, and bed linens. If she had a pattern, she could make it. She was an avid card player, especially Pokeno and Pinochle. She enjoyed traveling to Atlantic City, N.J. and Cherokee, N.C to play the slot machines at the casinos.

Left to cherish loving memories are her daughter, Ethel “Jeannie” Kearns; grandson, Christopher “Chris” Swain; granddaughter, Elder Deborah “Deb” Swain-Moore; three great-grandsons, Christopher Griggs (Gwen), Christian Rudisell, and Jonia Green; two great-granddaughters, Mercedes Logan and Isis Carroll (Raphael); four great-great-grandsons, Amir Carroll, Nathaniel Massard, Amari Phillips, and Recco Moore; three great-great-granddaughters, Ilaieh “Lae” Greene, Ebony Logan and Riley Juzel Logan; two sisters, Sarah Sanders and Willie Mae Darby; one brother, Johnny L. Jackson (Mirian); a special friend, Alice Simpson; nine nieces, five nephews, other relatives, and friends.