Elizabeth M. Kernen

1939-2020

Elizabeth M. Kernen, 80, of Stanford, KY passed away Sunday, May 17, 2020 at UK Healthcare in Lexington, KY. Born December 24, 1939 in Stanford, KY to the late Robert and Julia Woodrum Murphy, she was a retired employee of American Greetings Corporation. 

Survivors include her husband of 37 years, Joe Kernen; daughters, Citita Potts (Donald), and Tanisha Taylor both of Danville, KY; step-son, Tom Kernen (Kim); step-daughter, Scottie Kay Collier both of Danville, KY; nine grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a daughter, Teia Taylor Kidd. Elizabeth graduated from Stanford High School Class of 1958. She was dearly loved by her family and friends. Liz had a smile that could light up a room, a keen sense of humor, and an array of talents and accomplishments that spanned her life. She was a board member and corresponding secretary for the Logan Fort Foundation, a member of the Lincoln County Historical Society, member of the Daughters of the American Revolution Society, and a Kentucky Colonel. 

Liz was an avid ancestry researcher and historian. In her teenage years, she was a stand in for actress Elizabeth Taylor in the movie Raintree County, filmed locally, as well as served as an extra in the movies The Great Race, Black Beauty, and A Child of Glass. She was a gifted musician/vocalist, entertaining short story writer, and a talented local artist, who created replicas of Stanford’s historical houses and buildings. 

She was the 1998 Chairman’s Award Grand Winner recipient from American Greetings Corporation headquarters in Cleveland, Ohio. 

Private services will be held at Spurlin Funeral Home, Stanford on Friday, May 22, 2020 with burial following at Buffalo Springs Cemetery in Stanford, Kentucky.