Mary Virginia Scott Kernan, 90, of Elgin, SC, passed away on November 20, 2025, at her daughter's home in Woodbine, GA.

Mary was born on December 14, 1934, in Emeigh PA to the late Richard and Virginia (Pirazzi) Scott and was one of nine children. She had lived in the Columbia, SC area since the fall of 2018 after spending 20+ years in Winchester, VA and almost 30 years in Northern Virginia. In the 1950s Mary moved to Emporium, Pa, with her two sisters, to embark on a career with Sylvania Electronics. It was there that she met her husband, Frank Kernan. She loved telling the stories of her time in Emporium, a close-knit Pennsylvania mountain town. Some of her favorite stories were about picnics at Sizerville Park and her time waitressing at the Cabin Kitchen, especially during hunting season, because the hunters were great tippers. Mary and Frank married in 1961 and moved a few times before settling in Northern Virginia. By this time, they had their two children, Kathleen and Rick, both of whom she was very proud. Mary was fortunate to have the ability to be a stay-at-home mother during their younger years. As the children grew, Mary took a part-time job with the Annandale VA school system where she made life-long friends. Later on, she would proclaim how upset her teenage daughter became when she decided to take a full-time job with Fairfax County. Mary loved crafting, her Hallmark ornaments and decorating her homes for every holiday or season of the year. When her Snow Village collection was set up, and it took days to accomplish, this was when we all knew the Christmas season had truly begun. She was well known for her homemade pizza, white pizza and pepperoni rolls. Her pepperoni rolls, in particular, were something we might squabble over and her son, when visiting, looked to the counter to see if by chance there was a fresh batch. Her heart was probably the biggest, when it came to her cherished grandchildren and great grandchildren. First came Ricky then Faith Kernan and when Ricky married Bailey, they blessed Mary with two great grandsons, Weston and Kellan. There was also a special place in her heart for the numerous furry family members. Mary had a strong faith and was always active in whichever Parish she was a member, St. Ambrose, Sacred Heart or St. John Neumann and made very good friends at all of them. Her after mass coffee group in Winchester was something she missed and spoke about often.

Mary is survived by her husband Francis (Frank or Butch), her two children Kathleen Brown (Ray) and Richard Kernan (Bernice), two grandchildren, Richard Kernan (Bailey) and Faith Kernan and great grandchildren, Weston and Kellan Kernan.

She was preceded in death by her 8 brothers and sisters, John, Dick, Lou, Frank, Anna Mae, Bill, Peggy and Sam as well as most of their spouses, Betty, Rosie, Sis, Gus, Toni, Ron and Grace, leaving only her husband and sister-in-law, Rufina Scott, from her generation. Mary (or Aunt Mimi) was one of the favorite aunts to her many nieces and nephews, and she will be greatly missed.

A funeral mass will be held at Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Church, St Mary's GA on Tuesday, December 2 at 1pm. Graveside services will be held at a later time in Winchester, VA.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Sacred Heart Academy in Winchester, VA or an organization of your choice.

Allison Memorial Chapel is in charge of arrangements.