Shirley LaVesta Kearns

Shirley Lavesta Kearns, aged 89 years old, passed away peacefully on April 15, 2025 in Middleburg, Florida surrounded by her family. She was born on March 28,1936 in Georgia, to Vester & Hattie Sims. She lived in Jacksonville, Florida the majority of her life and was an avid Florida Gator fan.

Lavesta was a kind and compassionate woman that loved the Lord. She was a born caregiver who loved and cared deeply for others. She was a social butterfly with a big personality and never met a stranger. Her little dog, Chewie, was loved unconditionally. Family was very important to her and she surrounded herself with family and friends. She had many accomplishments in her lifetime but was most proud of her family and their achievements. She gave much with no expectations of those she gave.

She was preceded in death by her husband Gail Courtland Kearns, sisters Rebecca Sims Reid, Barbara Sims Meacham.

She is survived by her children, Karen Cercy (Dan), David Kearns (Karen), brother Grady V. Sims (Lynn), niece and caregiver, Lesia Mooney, grandson Christian Jaxon, Alex Cercy, great-grandson Daniel Jaxon and her faithful dog Chewie.

Memorial Services will be held on Thursday, April 24th at 11:00 AM at Hibernia Baptist Church, 7100 Highway 17 Fleming Island, FL 32003 with Pastor Scott Yirka officiating. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Community Hospice in memory of Shirley Lavesta Kearns.