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BORN
1931
DIED
2025
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Dorothy Kearns Obituary
June 27, 1931 - October 20, 2025
Dorothy "Dot" Kendall Kearns, 94, passed away peacefully on Monday, October 20, 2025, at Friends Home in Greensboro, NC.
Born June 27, 1931, in Guilford County, Dot was the daughter of the late Weldon Kendall and Eva Jones Kendall. A lifelong advocate for education and civic engagement, she dedicated her life to public service and broke new ground as the first female member of the Guilford County Commission. Her commitment to the community extended to her service on both the High Point City Schools Board and the Guilford County School Board, where she championed policies that positively impacted generations of students.
Dot was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Lyles Kearns, in 2016, and by her daughter-in-law, Lipika Mohanty, in 2021.
She is survived by her three children, Jeffri Kearns Adkins and husband Tommy of Charlottesville, VA, Kendall Kearns of Ponte Vedra Beach, FL, and Leigh Kearns Owens and husband John of Durham, NC. She is also lovingly remembered by her seven grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and her sister, Faye Kendall Wright of High Point.
Dot will be laid to rest beside her husband in a private family ceremony.
A public celebration of her life will be held at 3 p.m. on Sunday, October 26, 2025, at New Garden Friends Meeting, 801 New Garden Road, Greensboro, NC 27410. The family will greet friends following the service.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Kearns Academy, 1710 McGuinn Drive, High Point, NC 27265, or to New Garden Friends Meeting, 801 New Garden Road, Greensboro, NC 27410
Online condolences may be shared at www.cumbyfuneral.com.
Cumby Family Funeral Service
1015 Eastchester Drive, High Point, NC 27262
Memories and Condolences
for Dorothy Kearns
Sponsored by Cumby Family Funeral Service - High Point.
5 Entries
Cindy van Laar
October 31, 2025
Thank you to Dorothy´s family for sharing her with the citizens of Greensboro for many years. She tirelessly represented and advocated for the families and children of Guilford county in matters of education and support for all. What a full life she led. Rest in Peace.
Mary Ann Hart
October 25, 2025
As a former teacher in High Point, Dot's visits to Northwood Elementary were prized as she always had something uplifting to say. As an honorary member of Chi Chapter Delta Kappa Gamma, her presence at meetings was treasured as her well- chosen words helped Chi value its mission to help teachers build leadership skills and to support literacy endeavors within the community. We will sorely miss her kind smile, her devotion to education and her guidance.
Mary Ann Hart
Diane Hester
October 25, 2025
I had the privilege of meeting this great woman when I taught her son Kendall at Ferndale Junior High School. She was one of the best parents that I encountered. Kendall was such a respectful student and young gentleman, which was indicative of great home training. High Point will miss a queen.
Sarah Coleman-Bean
October 24, 2025
So sorry to learn this, knew this family for many years, loved their mama and Faye, Dot was the eldest but certainly knew her too !!!
Condolences to the family .
Linda Slayton
October 24, 2025
Dot was a beautiful shining star and her bright light would shine wherever she would go. Her kindness and sweet words are a beautiful memory to me. My condolences to her precious family.
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