Modean Kern

Honoring the Life of a Matriarch

On Saturday, February 12, 1927, Modean Kern was born to Jim Dote Kern and Harriett Dale Louise Dobbins in Kosciusko, Mississippi. She was the seventh of twelve children. Her siblings are WillieJane, Leo Lawrence, Mary Jane, Earlene, Lucille, Mildred, James, Carl J., J.B., Ivray D., and Yvonnie.

In her youth, she attended Center Schools of Attala County in Mississippi. When her father's health began to fail, Modean took over the family farm. She was no stranger to hard work. Later on, she would go to work at the Methodist preschool in Kosciusko, MS.

In 1942 she married Mr. Payton Yates. No children were born from this union. As time would pass, Modean would be the proud mother of five children: Willie, Ruthie, Yvonne, Jeannette and Haywood. A few years after her father's passing, she moved over 950 miles away to Omaha, Nebraska at the prospect of better opportunities for her family. Settled now in Omaha, she continued to labor tirelessly raising her children, and working for General Electric and Lozier's until she became disabled in 1974. In January of 1985, she began raising her two grandchildren Mechelle and Dejuane Griffin after the loss of her oldest daughter, Ruthie.

Bigmama as she was affectionately called, had an infectious laugh, loved to dress from head-to-toe, and had a big personality that would warm the heart of anyone she met. One of her most enjoyable hobbies, included fishing with her best friend Ms. Dorothy Allen, and her grandson Garry. They spent countless summer days and evenings laughing, talking, and fishing together. Bigmama cherished spending time with her grandchildren, nurturing and encouraging them to love and take-up for each other.

Modean loved her family and friends deeply. She was a self-sacrificing giver, had a love for all people, and was a confidant to anyone that needed it. Her strong demonstration of faith, came from her lifelong encounters with God's sovereignty and His mighty power. This God-fearing woman taught her children and grandchildren to honor and reverence the Lord.

Mother Kern was baptized in the name of Jesus Christ in September of 2004 at Church of the Lord Jesus Christ, and was filled with the Holy Ghost a month before her 90th birthday on January 6, 2017 at Greater Beth-el Temple Ministries under her pastor, Bishop Calvin J. Gould, Sr.

On Sunday, May 29, 2022, after 95 years of extended life, God granted Modean rest. In accordance with II Timothy 4:7, she fought a good fight. She finished her course. She kept the faith. Her final days were surrounded by her family, loved ones, and the powerful prayers of the Saints of God.

She is preceded in death by: Parents Jim Dote and Harriet Kern; Spouse: Payton Yates; Children: Willie Clayton, Ruthie Griffin, Haywood Winters; Grandchild: Donella McPherson; Great-Grandchildren: De' Maurie Griffin and FaShawn McNeal Jr.; Siblings: William J. Kern, Leo L. Kern, Mary J. Kern, Earline Kern, Mildred M. Cyrus, James H. Kern, Carl J R. Kern, J. B. Kern, and Ivray D. Kern.

She leaves to cherish her memory children: Yvonne (Donald) McPherson and Pastor Jeannette (Minister Steven) Blackstone both of Omaha, NE. Grandchildren: Cynthia Clark of Dallas, TX; Aleishia (FaShawn) McNeal of Indianapolis, IN; Terrie (Carlos) Carr of Kansas City, MO; Minister Yolanda (Bishop Iguan) Rodgers, Garry Kern, Mechelle (Dwan) Hall, Teonne Clark, Deonne (Jr. Deacon Roosevelt) Wolf Jr., Akilah Blair, Dejuane Griffin, Jeremy Kern and Teia Goodwin, all of Omaha, NE; Steahana (Keith) Minter of Little Rock, AR; Donny McPherson of Minneapolis, MN; Danielle (Matthew) Palmer of Lincoln, NE; siblings: Lucille Martin and Yvonnie Boatman both of Omaha, NE; 49 great-grandchildren; and 43 great-great-grandchildren; her best friend Dorothy Allen, many nephews, nieces, cousins, Pastor Calvin and First Lady Valerie Gould, the Greater Beth-el Temple Ministries church family and grand-dog Zara.

Visitation: 10:00AM to 11:00AM Saturday, June 4, 2022 at Greater Beth-el Temple, 1502 N. 52nd St. Omaha, NE.
Funeral Service: 11:00AM Saturday, June 4, 2022 also at the church
Interment: Mt. Hope Cemetery, 7602 Military Ave. Omaha, NE
Masks are required at the Church