Nannie Lou Kerns Bounds, 103, of Roanoke Rapids, passed away peacefully with her family by her side on Sunday, September 7, 2025.

She was born on January 25, 1922 in Durham, NC to the late Dr. Thomas Cleveland Kerns, Sr. and Nell Elizabeth Curtis Kerns. She was also preceded in death by her husband, Howard Vincent Bounds, Jr.; daughter, Jeanne Bounds Tomlin; son-in-law, Roland Thomas "Chuck" Floyd; brother, Dr. Thomas Cleveland Kerns, Jr. and his wife, Bernice "Bunny" Flowers Kerns of Durham; and her sister, Nell Kerns Waggoner and her husband, Spencer Waggoner of Winston Salem.

Nannie Lou was a graduate of Durham County School System. She was a "Die Hard" Duke fan and alumni graduating from Duke University in 1943 and was in Alpha Delta Pi sorority while attending Duke. She was a Coach K basketball fan and she would keep her family posted when all Duke games were being played. You did not go out to eat or shopping during a game.

She enjoyed playing bridge where she was competent and competitive, but most of all she treasured the friendship of the "girls" in the bridge club. She was also a member of the Reviewer's Book Club and the Womens Society at First Presbyterian Church. She was on a committee with the Terpsichorean Club in Raleigh and made recommendations for the North Carolina Debutante Ball. She was an avid reader and was the early version of Google before computers were invented. She could find "an article" to read related to anything in which you were inquiring or interested in knowing more about on a particular subject.

Nannie Lou was a wonderful genuine Southern Lady. She was truly a source of inspiration to her family with her strength, faith, kindness, and generous nature. She was a "Masterpiece of God's Handiwork" created in Christ Jesus to do good works. God "Uniquely Designed" her to be a special daughter, mom, Nana, and Nannie to our family. She was a beacon of light leaving behind a legacy of warmth and kindness and was "Unconditionally Loved" characterized by empathy, respect, and support for the other persons' needs and happiness. She walked through life with a gentle strength, touching the lives of everyone she met with her unforgettable grace. She also proved to be "Exceptionally Durable" with never ever a complaint. Whenever asked at any time, her constant reply was "I am just fine." She lived in happiness for 103 years with quite a record of wellness "Crafted with Quality" from God. She will be forever missed.

She is survived by her daughter, Nancy Bounds Floyd of Roanoke Rapids and her son, Howard Vincent Bounds, III and his wife, Margo of Shawboro, NC; grandchildren, Tom Floyd and his wife, Shannon, John Floyd and his wife, Mallory, Vince Bounds and his wife Kristen, Brett Bounds and his wife, Rachel, Kristin B. Righi and her husband, Cody, Erin Wilson and her husband, Cole; great grandchildren, Cameron Floyd, Caroline Floyd, Cole Floyd, Emersynn Floyd, Andi Floyd and a new little Floyd arriving in October, Harper Bounds, Jade Bounds, Finley Bounds, Vivian and Brooks Wilson; and many nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be held on Sunday, September 14, 2025 at 3:00 PM in the chapel of Askew Funeral and Cremation Services in Roanoke Rapids with Rev. Randy Martin officiating. Entombment will follow at Cedarwood Cemetery in Roanoke Rapids.

The family will receive friends on Sunday from 1:45-2:45 PM at Askew Funeral and Cremation Services.