Rev. Lawrence Kerns Jr.

Rev. Lawrence Kerns Jr. was born in Mecklenburg County on January 16th, 1940, to the parents of Geneva P. Kerns and Lawrence Potts. He attended Charlotte-Mecklenburg Public Schools and graduated from Torrence-Lytle High School.

At an early age, he joined Gethsemane Baptist Church under the leadership of Reverend Nash, and sang in the chorus. Additionally, he sang with his family as the Twilight Gospel Singers.

Under Reverend Clement Morris, Lawrence was designated as a Trustee in the Church and was later called by God as an Evangelist to preach and carry God's word to others. He also taught bible classes in many homes, school buildings, and various churches. He later pastored at The Pleasant Grove Baptist Church in Kannapolis, North Carolina, and afterwards The Beulah Baptist Church in Concord, North Carolina.

In better days his favorite hobbies were gardening, mowing the lawn, and playing with grandkids.

Rev. Kerns, as he is called, is preceded in death by his Parents: Geneva P. Kerns and Lawrence Potts. Brothers: Robert Kerns and Jackie Torrence, Stepson: Raymond Andre Jackson and Granddaughter: Nikita Black.

He leaves to cherish fond memories, his wife Ethel of sixty-five years, One Brother: Freddie Torrence of Mooresville, NC, and a Sister: Mildred Davis of Mooresville, NC, and Children: Lawrence Stevens (Kameka) of Olin, NC. Cynthia Wynonia of Lexington, NC. Dannie JaVan (Victoria) of Charlotte, NC. Ursula Andrea of Davidson, NC. Thirteen Grandchildren and a host of Great and Great-Great Grands, Cousins, Relatives, and Friends.