Alma Russell Kerns Gaunt “Sis” passed away Sunday, May 1, 2022

Alma “Sis” was born in 1946 in Winchester, VA to the late Russell Irvin Kerns and Alma Joan Perry Kerns.

Sis attended John Handley High School and later earned her GED. Although she aspired to be a Latin teacher, her calling turned out to be serving as a nursing assistant and later filling medical supply orders.

She is survived by her daughter, Lilliallen “Lilli” Gaunt Plummer, sister, Maxine Irvin “Mackie” Kerns, nephew, Russell Edward “Tater” Kerns (Kathy) and family, niece Kristle Dawn Kerns Tokach (Pete) and family, Aunt Liz Fletcher, Uncle Ed Grim, and several cousins.

Sis also leaves behind the family “Pet” Lady Kerns, a rat terrier that joined the family in 2020.  Lady kept her company and they shared a mutual love.

In addition to her parents, Alma and Russell Kerns, she was preceded in death by Leo Hampton ” Shorty” Gaunt, son, Charles Riley Gaunt, brother Charles Edward Kerns and his wife Georgianna, son in law, Charles Plummer and  her ex-husband Robert “Pete ” Cornell, several aunts, uncles, cousins, and many dear family members and friends.

Alma joined the Winchester Volunteer Rescue Squad Auxiliary in 1995 and served many offices and had perfect attendance for several years. The auxiliary later became Millwood Station Fire and Rescue Auxiliary, of which she was a life time member. ln addition, she served the Northeastern District and Auxiliary to the Virginia Association of Volunteer Rescue Squads. In 2008, she was awarded the AVAVRS Outstanding Service Award. She was also a member of the Winchester Eagles and Moose Lodge.

Alma enjoyed traveling all over Virginia to rescue squad auxiliary events. She loved the beach, enjoyed mystery novels, movies, the Food Network and Motor Trend. Alma loved cats and dogs, many of whom had a great home with her and the family. She was a Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival volunteer, assisting at the Firefighter’s Reception for approximately 20 years.

Alma had a great sense of humor and displayed her talent when performing skits with family and friends. She was the life of the party!!

One of her greatest assets was her unselfish nature, seeing that the needs of others were met before her own. Sis took care of several family members and friends in their time of need, displaying her servant heart. Sis was of the Methodist faith.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, May 5 from 6:00pm – 8:00pm at Omps Funeral Home, Amherst Chapel. A service will follow on Friday, May 6 at 1:00pm at Amherst Chapel. Interment will be at Macedonia United Methodist Church Cemetery.

In memory of Sis’s generosity and love any memorial contribution to a charity of your choice would be a kind and appreciated gesture.