HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF MILDRED "MAMA K" AUSTEN KENERSON

On 2025-04-30, Representative Jonathan L. Jackson (D-IL-1) delivered a floor speech titled "HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF MILDRED "MAMA K" AUSTEN KENERSON" in the House.

HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF MILDRED "MAMA K" AUSTEN KENERSON

Congressional Record, Volume 171 Issue 72 (Wednesday, April 30, 2025) [Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 72 (Wednesday, April 30, 2025)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E363] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF MILDRED ``MAMA K'' AUSTEN KENERSON ______ HON. JONATHAN L. JACKSON of illinois in the house of representatives Wednesday, April 30, 2025 Mr. JACKSON of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the remarkable life of Mildred ``Mama K'' Austen Kenerson, a woman who graced this world for an incredible 105 years. Her passing marks the end of an era, but her legacy of resilience and compassion continues to inspire future generations. Mrs. Kenerson was born on April 19, 1919, in Braxton Mississippi. She was the second child to the late Eddie Lee Perkins and Idella Harper Perkins, who raised seven children in total. Mrs. Kenerson was educated in Rosenwald School for Children and attended the historic Piney Wood Country Life School. As she continued to pursue higher education, Mrs. Kenerson attended Jackson State Teacher's College, now known as Jackson State University. At 19 vears old she obtained her Teaching Certificate to educate the children at Dry Ridge and D'Lo Colored Schools in segregated Simpson County. From her earliest years, Mrs. Kenerson embraced the teachings of Christ and remained a devoted member of St. John Baptist Church, an institution with roots stretching back to 1865. She was a vital part of the St. John community, evidenced by her pivotal role in the inaugural Church Homecoming Program on May 30, 1982. There, they united families such as the Perkins, Bridges and the Dents. For years, Mrs. Kenerson and her sister-in-law, the late Doris Wilson Perkins poured countless hours of dedication into the preparations for St. John Baptist Church's cherished annual events, fostering years of unity and fellowship. Mrs. Kenerson's life stands as a testament to the power of faith, the strength of community and the enduring bonds of family. Her devotion to St. John Baptist Church and her unwavering spirit will long be remembered. Mrs. Kenerson was an employee of the Chicago Public Schools; she worked at the Daniel Webster Elementary School from 1969 to 1999, where she was a teacher, a tutor, a parent liaison, and provided support to staff and the Reading Lab. She instilled a passion for learning in her students, serving as a mentor to her colleagues and providing creative boards throughout the school. Mrs. Kenerson retired after 30 vears of service. In 1963, she entered in Holy matrimony with John Dubois Kenerson, a man of enterprise and community. Mr. Kenerson was the standing President of Standard Burial Insurance Company, founded in 1952. Mr. Kenerson built a famijy of businesses that included the William Ray Funeral Home with his sister Eunise Smith and Mr. Hodges. That funeral home is now operated by their nephew and niece, William and Annie Ray. Together, they raised two children: Carolyn Austin and Rowland Austin. Their legacy lives on through their children. Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in honoring the life of Mrs. Mildred ``Mama K'' Austen Kenerson. ____________________