Obituary of DeeDee Kern

“DeeDee” Dalea Dorann (Farmer) Kern was born October 8, 1932 at Ponder, Missouri and died August 2, 2021 at her home in Joplin, Missouri at the age of 88 years. Her parents were Lawrence and Hattie (Hastings) Farmer. After Lawrence’s untimely death, Hattie married Robert W. (Bill) Maples. When DeeDee was two years old, her father died, and she was raised by her mother and stepfather. Bill was the only dad she ever knew, and she loved and cared for him. DeeDee married Paul Griffin on August 10, 1948 and had four children who survive: Dale Griffin, Myrna (Ronnie) Trent, Lyndal (Christine) Griffin, and Vickie (Sherman) Fry. She later married Gene Kern. Also surviving are half-brothers: Bill Maples and Wymon Maples and half-sisters: Alice (Barney) Hoefer and Ginny Carol (Tony) Trice. DeeDee is also survived by many grandchildren, great grandchildren and one great-great grandchild along with a host of other family members and friends. Proceeding her in death were her parents, stepfather, sister Betty Mae (Farmer) Cobb, and her brothers George Farmer and Coy Farmer and her half-brother Paul Maples. DeeDee was a faithful member of the Mt. Hope Church of Christ in Webb City, Missouri and was always ready with her lesson prepared and covered dish for any occasion. She volunteered for any service whatever she could offer and always had handmade gifts ready to share. She probably used enough crochet thread to reach around the world. Her hobbies included reading, and she loved to write and share her written stories and songs with anyone who came to visit. She loved her dog and always kept a pet, never turning away a stray. Services will be Saturday, August 7, 2021 at Edwards Funeral Home. Visitation will be 10 a.m.-12 p.m., and the funeral at 12 with Brother Steve Sanders officiating. Burial will be in Shirley Cemetery.