[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.

                          ____________________