Peggy Anne Kearns

Peggy Anne Gaddy Kearns, 84, passed away peacefully late Friday night, March 20, 2026, with her loving family by her side. Peggy was born on Friday, April 25, 1941, in Kannapolis, NC, to the late Emmett Pleasant Gaddy and Anne Blair Jones. She attended Mercy School of Nursing and Charlotte College.

She met Robert Douglas Kearns while working at a local camera and hobby shop when he came in to conduct a tax audit. After a first date to a football game, their lifelong partnership began. On December 29, 1962, she married Douglas, the love of her life, with whom she shared 63 years of marriage. Together they built a life centered on family, faith, and unwavering devotion. Her strong, lifelong Christian faith was evident in how she cared for others.

Peggy is survived by her husband, Douglas; four loving sons: Robert Ashley Kearns, Jon Paige Kearns, Leonard Blair Kearns, and Darren Douglas Kearns; six granddaughters, four grandsons, four great-granddaughters, and four great-grandsons. She devoted her life to raising her four sons with strength, patience, and steadfast love, and took great pride in the men they became. She was a proud and devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, and her love will continue to be felt through each of them. She was preceded in death by her beloved parents and one brother.

Peggy was an active member of her church for many years, where she generously gave her time and talents. A lifelong piano player, she began playing in her childhood church and continued to share her gift on occasion at Highland United Methodist Church. She was always willing to serve wherever she was needed. She also gave back to her community through volunteer work, including delivering meals through Meals on Wheels and supporting the Rex Blood Bank (now The Blood Connection). She and Douglas especially enjoyed time with their family at the beach and in the mountains. Later in life, they enjoyed traveling extensively, including taking special trips around the world with each of their children and spouses, creating lasting memories together.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, March 27, 2026, at 2:00 PM at Highland United Methodist Church, 1901 Ridge Road, Raleigh, NC 27607. Burial will follow at Raleigh Memorial Park at 7501 Glenwood Avenue. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in memory of Peggy to Highland United Methodist Church or to The Blood Connection.

Peggy will forever be missed by her loving and devoted family and many dear friends. Her kindness, strength, and steady presence will remain a lasting gift to all who knew her. The example she set in her faith, her devotion to family, and her quiet service to others will continue to guide those who knew and loved her. We take comfort in knowing she is at peace in the presence of her Lord and Savior. “Well done, good and faithful servant.” - Matthew 25:23