BIOGRAPHY

Mildred Elizabeth Kern was born in Athens, Alabama, United States on 15 December 1911, to parents William and Ida Harris. She attended school in a one-room schoolhouse, and was given a ride to and from the school every day from her teacher, who lived nearby and owned a horse and buggy. After her father died, she moved with her mother to Fremont, Ohio. As a young adult, she met Alfred Kern, who was a percussionist in a Fremont big band. After the pair were married, they moved to the state of California, where they settled in Bakersfield. The couple remained together for over half a century before Al’s death in 2000. Throughout her life, Kern worked many jobs – including working at a cigar stand and a restaurant at the El Tejon Hotel during World War II – but her final employment was with Smith’s Bakery, where she worked for 20 years before retirement.

She had a lifelong passion for gardening, and was known throughout her neighborhood for her flowers. Even after turning 110, she continued to live in her own home, where she enjoyed sitting near her sunroom window and listening to music. She remained at home until just two weeks before her death, when renal failure led to her hospitalization. She passed away in Bakersfield, California, United States on 9 March 2022, at the age of 110 years, 84 days.

RECOGNITION

Her age was verified by Stefan Maglov, and was validated by LongeviQuest on 22 May 2024.

ATTRIBUTION

* Mildred Kern Obituary Dignity Memorial

GALLERY