Mr. Noah E. Kerns Sr., 70, of Petersburg, Virginia departed this life on January 4, 2026 at TriCities Hospital in Hopewell, Virginia.  He was born in Chesterfield, Virginia, to Martha Kerns and Edward Kerns, Sr. on July 3, 1955.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Martha Kerns and Edward Kerns, Sr.; two brothers, Nelson and Muriel Hobbs; sister, Rose Raines Balthrop; aunt, Margaret "Tiny" Garrison; and his nephew, Ronald "Poppy" Raines.

Noah grew up in Chesterfield, Virginia, later moving to Petersburg, Virginia, where he attended Petersburg City Public Schools, graduating from Petersburg High School (PHS)-Class of 1974. While at PHS he was a basketball standout (jersey number #14). During his junior and senior years he and his teammates maintained an undefeated regular season winning the State Championships for two consecutive years. He was one of the number one guards in the State of Virginia. No other basketball team in PHS history has accomplished what they did and they still hold that record in the history book.

Noah attended Chowan University where he was an athlete and studied commercial arts. He was great artist who perfected his craft and could draw anything  like a mirrored image. He was a young father at the age of 17 years old. He was a great father, and the best father. He didn't complete college, but he returned home to be a family man and joined the workforce. Noah was employed at Southside Virginia Training Center (SVTC) for over 25 years until his health declined. He also worked a few other jobs to include the City of Petersburg and John Randolph Hospital.

He also played basketball in the Petersburg Men's Recreation League with the "Blazers" where he wore jersey #24 and they were the team to beat.  The Blazers won many consecutive championships over the years as a player/coach.  Noah positively impacted the lives of many, and was affectionately called, "Uncle Noah" by many relatives and non-relatives. He always provided firm, straight to the point, honest advice and had a way of making you feel like everything was going to be alright after talking with him. Noah quoted, "Murphy's Law" quite often to be prepared for anything. He was one of a kind and will definitely be missed by us all.

Noah leaves to cherish his memory: two very devoted children, his daughter, Arlisha Kerns and  son, Noah Kerns, Jr.; two grandchildren, Shyrel Hill and Tre'Jon Barnes; three great-grandchildren, Riyaiel Fisher, Brian Redwine, Jr.  and Asyus Barnes; two brothers, Edward Kerns Jr. and Thomas Kerns; two sisters, Shirley Raines and Elaine Pierce (Steve); a host of nieces and nephews (to whom he gave nicknames to),  and cousins. Noah's best friend or as they would say his "Stickman", Robert "Moochie" Taylor, other lifelong friends, teammates, and work buddies.

Noah was very well-known, his life was well-lived, and deserving to be celebrated.

A memorial service will be held 3:00 P.M., Saturday, January 24, 2026, in the Chapel of J. M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc., 102 South Avenue, Petersburg, VA.

J.M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc., 102 South Avenue, Petersburg, VA, (804) 732-8911, watch the funeral services live online at www.jmwilkersonsince1874.com or click here to view: https://vimeo.com/event/5679701?fl=so&fe=fs