Sterling Curtis Kent

Sterling Curtis Kent, age 59, peacefully passed away on October 31, 2025, in Columbia, South Carolina, surrounded by his loving family. He courageously battled mycosis fungoides T cell lymphoma cancer and recurrent infections with unwavering faith in God’s plan and grace.

Sterling is survived by his mother, Sharon Roos Kent; his wife Katherine; his children Katelynn(Bryan), McKenzie (Owen), Audrey, Meagan and Rebekah; his granddaughter Elizabeth; his siblings, Mark (Brenda) Steven, David (Ellen) and Kathleen (Mark). He was preceded in death by his father Roy Kent.

Sterling was born on May 2, 1966, in Glendora, California, to Roy and Sharon (Roos) Kent. He grew up in Richland alongside his three older brothers and his younger sister. From a young age, Sterling developed a deep love for gardening, eagles, the Boy Scouts, and the outdoors—interests that remained lifelong passions.

After graduating from high school, Sterling served a two-year mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Charlotte, North Carolina. Upon returning, he moved to Marana, Arizona, where he lived with his brother, sister-in-law, nephews, and niece. During this time, he met his eternal sweetheart, Katherine, at the University of Arizona’s Institute of Religion. Where Sterling later earned a Master’s Degree in Library Science. When Katherine returned from her mission, the two were sealed for time and all eternity in the Mesa Arizona Temple on Nov. 21,1997. They made their home in Tucson, Arizona.

Sterling and Katherine were blessed with five daughters, Katelynn, McKenzie, Audrey, Meagan, and Rebekah. Sterling was a devoted husband and father, known for surprising his wife and daughters each Valentine’s Day with chocolates, balloons, or flowers. His family was the center of his world, and he joyfully welcomed each new addition, including his sons-in-law, Bryan and Owen and his cherished granddaughter, Elizabeth.

Family time with Sterling was full of adventure and laughter—whether camping, fishing, cooking, attending the temple, or playing board games. He also loved garage sales and taking part in Home Depot workshops. An exceptional cook, Sterling expressed his love through food, delighting family and friends with his Swedish pancakes, Danish aebleskivers, omelets, Zuppa Toscana, cookies, and countless other dishes made to order.

Sterling will be lovingly remembered for his distinctive laugh, thoughtfulness, intelligence, thriftiness, creativity, and skillful hands—whether in woodworking, gardening, or pottery. Above all, he was a faithful disciple of Jesus Christ, living his beliefs through daily acts of service, kindness, and devotion to his family.

The Kent family extends their heartfelt gratitude for the many messages, prayers, acts of service, and shared meals offered during this difficult time. They feel each gesture as a reflection of Heavenly Father’s love, expressed through the goodness of friends and loved ones.

A Celebration of Life will be held 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 8, 2025 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 7449 Broad River Road, Irmo, South Carolina 29063

“Well done, thou good and faithful servant... enter thou into the joy of thy lord.”* — **Matthew 25:21**