Barbara Kern

Barbara J. Kern, 80, of Midland, died Monday evening August 17, at Caretel Inns of Tri-Cities. Born June 30, 1935 in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, she was the daughter of the late Frank D. and Edith M. (Hunter) Davis. Barb graduated with high honors from the University of Iowa, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Music and a Masters in Cello Performance, and was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa. She taught for many years and later earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Music Therapy and Master of Social Work from Michigan State University. She worked 21 years as a social work therapist for Catholic Family Services until her retirement in 2013. Barb was a longtime member of First United Methodist Church, where she sang in the choir. She enjoyed cooking, traveling, playing cello, volunteering at Midland Shelter House, and spending time with family.

She is survived by sons, William A. (Janice) Kern of Huntsville, Alabama, Thomas (Sheila) Kern of Fenton, Michigan, and their father, William (Elaine) Kern of Midland; grandchildren, Jessica, Naomi, Patricia, Joshua, Joy, Amber and Timothy (William A.), Tyler and Makenna (Thomas); a brother, Rev. Larry (Gayle) Davis of Gainesville, Florida; and a nephew and niece, Aaron and Rachel.

Rev. Dr. Charles Keyworth will officiate funeral services on Monday, August 24, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. at First United Methodist Church of Midland. Visitation will be Sunday from 2:00 until 6:00 p.m. at Wilson MILLER Funeral Home, 4210 N. Saginaw Road, Midland, and Monday at the church from 10:00 a.m. until service time. Memorials may be offered to the First United Methodist Church, Southern Care Hospice or Catholic Family Services.