Josephine (Peterson) Kershner

Josephine Peterson Kershner, the sweetest wife, mom, and nana, passed away at home surrounded by love on December 2, 2025. Born and raised in Poplar, North Carolina, she was raised with country values and an appreciation for everyday life.  A graduate of Tipton Hill High School, she met her husband, Henry “Hank” Kershner, after moving to work in Baltimore, MD. They married June 28, 1967.  She devoted herself to supporting his Naval military service career and raising her two children while moving around the world and country. She carried her kindness and thoughtfulness throughout all the places she lived, including Alaska, Virginia, Okinawa, Japan, Maryland, California, Florida, and Texas before coming back home to Poplar. 

Known for always putting others first, she loved to care and cook for others. Her homemade meals, especially her fried potatoes and green beans, were the best! What mattered to her the most was family.  She enjoyed traveling with Hank and summering with her daughter, Teri (Matt and Hailey), in Pennsylvania and wintering with her son, Curtis (Amy, Jeremy, and Jake), in Texas.  It was her three grandchildren, Hailey, Jeremy, and Jake, who brought her the greatest joy in her later years.  She cherished every moment spent with them.

Jo gave freely of herself, and her faith was lived by example. Her gentle spirit and unwavering kindness made the world a better place for all who knew her.  She leaves behind a legacy of love, humility, and service.  Those left to cherish memories and carry on her legacy include her husband Hank Kershner of Poplar, NC via Droop Mountain, WV; daughter Teri Hollenbeck (Matt) of Hanover, PA ; son Curtis (Amy) of League City, TX; two sisters Edna Peterson and Rhonda Peterson Salisbury (Poplar, NC); and her three precious grandchildren, Hailey Hollenbeck, Jeremy Kershner, and Jake Kershner. 

A celebration of Josephine’s life will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 07, 2025, at the funeral home chapel.

To spread her spirit of care and kindness and in lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to The Disabled Veterans Association (Transform Veteran Lives - DAV (Disabled American Veterans). Donate at DAV.org or to a local chapter of your choice.

Online condolences, photos and memories may be shared with the Kershner family at www.ledfordfuneralhomes.com 

Robert Ledford Funeral Home, 720 Ohio Avenue, Erwin, is privileged to serve the Kershner family. (423) 743-1380.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Josephine (Peterson) Kershner, please visit our floral store.