Terry Kern

With heavy hearts, we share that Terry Kern of Seaford, Virginia went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, at the age of 70. Terry was born to Coye Lee Blinson, Jr. and Annie Ruth Blinson (Rhodes) on July 8, 1955 in Newport News, Virginia.
Terry was a devoted wife, loving mother and mother-in-law, adoring grandmother, and faithful servant of God. She shared 51 beautiful years of marriage with her beloved husband, Barry, whom she met during high school through their shared love of God and music while singing in a church choir. Together, they built a life centered on faith, love, family, and friends.
Terry was a proud and devoted mother to her son and daughter-in-law, BJ and Megan Kern, and daughter and son-in-law, Kim and Brian Sweet. Her grandchildren (Faith, Liam, Caden, and Kayla) brought immense joy to her life, and she poured into them with boundless love, grace, and encouragement. She never wanted to miss any event of her grandchildren and spent many evenings at baseball and soccer games and dance recitals.
Terry served the Lord with joy and dedication, especially through her church family, where she was a beloved and active member for many years. She found deep fulfillment in assisting with the church music ministry, sharing her love for worship through song. It was through the church that she formed many treasured friendships — relationships that brought joy, support, laughter, and spiritual encouragement throughout her life.
She was also passionate about traveling, finding wonder in God’s creation and joy in sharing new experiences with her family and friends. Her favorite travel places included Paris, France and St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands.
Terry is survived by her husband Barry Kern, children BJ Kern (Megan) and Kim Sweet (Brian), grandchildren Faith, Liam, Caden and Kayla, mother Ruth Blinson, sister Gina Stiff (Chris), brother-in-law Wayne Kern (Betty), sisters-in-law Sybil Wheatley (Gordon) and Mary Jane Armstrong (Pat), and many nieces and nephews.
Terry was preceded in death by her father, Coye Lee Blinson, Jr., and her brother, Scott Blinson. While we grieve her loss, we rejoice knowing she is now reunited with them in the presence of the Lord.
A celebration of Terry’s life will be held on October 2, 2025 at Seaford Baptist Church in Seaford, Virginia with a visitation at 3pm, memorial service at 4pm, and a reception immediately following the service at the church FLC. Friends and family are invited to gather, worship, and remember the beautiful life she lived. We ask you to wear pink in honor of Terry’s favorite color.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Seaford Baptist Church, Campus Improvement Fund in honor of Terry’s faithful service and love for worship.