Mrs. Lillian Rae Kern

On August 25, 2020, it pleased the Lord to receive into His presence Lillian Rae Kern as she stepped from time into eternity. Born August 14, 1936 in Tipton County, Tennessee, she was affectionately known as Lynn Rae, a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister-in-law, aunt, cousin and friend. She accepted Jesus Christ as her personal Lord and Savior and was baptized at an early age at St. Mark A.M.E in Munford, Tennessee. In December 1948, the family moved to Milwaukee, WI where she received. her formal education through the Milwaukee Public Schools System. She continued to express her faith and served faithfully in the Doer's Club and as an Usher Board member under the leadership of Reverend John B. Bradford, Pastor of St. Mark A.M.E. Church, Milwaukee, WI. She was a Parent Coordinator with the Girl Scouts and volunteered in the St. Mark A.M.E. Youth Club, assuring the enrollment, participation and Christian education of her children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews and many community children In 1953 she met and married Jerry Freeman, to this union three children were born Gloria, Willie and Annette. In 1965, she wed the late Bennie Douglas Kern Sr. In this 48-year marriage Bennie Douglas Kern Jr. was born. She dedicated her time, energy and resources as a wife and mother to her dear children. She was an excellent homemaker and loved being in the kitchen cooking. Fond memories of time spent around her kitchen table include her cornbread, infamous caramel cakes, pound cakes and pies. Her career outside of the home began at St. Joseph's Hospital in the Dietary Department and culminated with retirement after 24 years as a Machinist at Briggs & Stratton, the world's largest producer of gasoline engines for outdoor power equipment. She enjoyed traveling, taking cruises with family and friends and an annual trip to her hometown, Munford, TN. She was a loyal and dutiful daughter as she cared for both of her parents, Emma And Vernon Cullin until they preceded her in death. Lillian was a resident at Algonquin Manor Senior Apartments in Brown Deer, WI. This is where her love and compassion for others found expression. She prepared and gave away home cooked meals, drove others to church, grocery shopping, to medical appointments and often ensuring that medications were received and taken. Although Lillian was preceded in death by her parents Emma & Vernon Cullin, her husband Douglas Kern, daughter Annette Freeman and sister Savannah L. Fayne, memories of happy times will be forever cherished and held dear by her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, extended family members and friends: daughter Gloria (Fred) Jones of Burleson, TX, sons, Willie (Vickie) Freeman and Ben (Shanisha) Kern of Milwaukee, WI; grandchildren LaShon Fair of Grand Prairie, TX, Frederick (Mylinh) Jones of Fort Worth, TX; Willie (Shante) Julien, Quiana Howard, Latoya Freeman, Evan (Ariel) Kern, Carrington Kern and Brielle Kern of Milwaukee, WI; 15 great-grandchildren; 18 great-great grandchildren, sisters-in-law, Mary Kern of Milwaukee, WI and Elma Gaulden of Antioch, TN; Two loving aunts Effie Gallien and Betty Harris, special cousins, Maxine Veasey, Linda Kay and a host of nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, loving cousins and friends.

Mrs. Lillian Rae Kern

August 14, 1936 - August 25, 2020