Eiko Kerns

Eiko Kubo Kerns, 82, of Crawfordville, FL, passed peacefully on October 19, 2025, from a short illness. She is survived by her children, Mariko Kerns Chaviano (Fernando) of Crawfordville, FL, Kenji Ray Kerns (Kelly) of Crawfordville, FL, and her eldest son. She is preceded in death by her parents, Eiichi Kubo and Kin Sekine Kubo of Misawa, Aomori Prefecture, Japan.

Eiko was born on "a hot Summer's day" as her mother would tell her, on August 23, 1943, in Tokyo, Japan during the middle of WWII. She shared examples of the hardships during the war and how she admired her mother's strength to turn seemingly bad circumstances into happy memories. For example, they were expecting rations of flour one time but had instead received sugar. Hiding her disappointment, her mother made candy for all of the children in the village. What a rare and sweet treat that must have been for them and obviously one that Eiko remembered for the rest of her days. She always spoke so highly of her mother's strength and resilience and it's clear that she followed in her footsteps. At the age of four, the end of the war would move them to Misawa, where her father was able to find work. There, she fondly recalled childhood stories of her uncle's garden, fresh milk, and the beauty of the countryside. Her family had been reunited and there was peace, at last.

She enjoyed her school days and was an excellent student who loved to read nearly any book she could find. After graduating from Ohmisawa High School in 1962, she found work as a clerk at the US Air Force Base in Misawa. There, she later met her future husband, Robert Floyd Kerns. They moved to Naha, Okinawa, where he was stationed, and were married in September 1971. It was there that they met dear, lifelong friends and became faithful members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

After Bob's service in the Air Force, Eiko embarked on a new adventure- moving across the world to live in the United States. She briefly lived in Connecticut and bore her eldest son that year. Those same dear friends they met in Okinawa told them about the Florida paradise known as Wakulla County. 1972 changed her life as she embarked on yet another adventure to Crawfordville, FL, where she would remain for the rest of her days. It was here that she met lifelong friends from church and in the community. She brought her son, Kenji, and daughter, Mariko, into the world in the years that followed. She had a dedicated work ethic and gained employment with the Wakulla County School District as a loveable and long-serving lunchroom worker. She loved to be in the kitchen and was an excellent cook and baker. Her children still recall her famous batch of blackberry syrup and their disappointment when they opened the very last jar years later.

Though their marriage ended in 1992, over time Eiko and Bob were able to become friends once again and show their children the importance of family. Eiko faithfully served many church callings over the years and was a wonderful example for those around her. She retired from the school lunchroom service in 2010 and began volunteering at the Wakulla County Senior Center. She liked staying busy, especially knowing she was helping others.

She was a devoted mother and loved all things in nature, from fishing, flowers and gardening, to simply sitting on her porch and watching the birds. She loved music and you could often hear John Denver, classical, or church music playing in her home as she busied herself in the kitchen. She was happiest by serving others, whether that meant taking someone food or visiting friends and those in need. She loved to take walks and could often be seen walking daily in Azalea Park. Her passion was reading, and she had built an impressive library over the years.

Life changed once again in 2017 after having a series of strokes and she soon lived with her daughter, Mariko, where she was able to rest and not be burdened by many of life's stressors. It was 2020 when she needed further care, and she was admitted to a long-term care facility. Her room's window became her small garden, and her eyes would light up as she pointed to each plant and flower routinely brought in from family and friends. She had the gift of finding joy no matter her circumstances. Even on the worst of days, you could find her with a smile on her face followed by a cheerful greeting and wave. She was well-known by the staff, and her daughter was often stopped in the hallway by employees and residents alike telling her how much they loved "sweet Eiko."

As I write this, I realize there are not enough words, not enough space, and not enough time to tell the world what a precious soul my mother was. She is everything that is beautiful within me. She is the kindest person I have ever met and would help anyone despite not always being in a position to do so. Even so close to death, she is a mother first as she reaches out to wipe my tears at her bedside. I will love you forever, mama. You're my angel on earth and soon, my angel above. You're about to embark on your last adventure and it is going to be more splendid than you or I could have imagined. I asked her what she wanted the person reading this to know, and her answer was simply to tell you that she's going fishing. Have the best day on the water, my little mama. We'll only have to miss you for a little while… until we meet again.

The family will receive friends from 10:30 AM until 11:00 AM, Thursday, October 23, 2025, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 3251 Crawfordville Hwy., FL 32327. The funeral service will follow at 11:00 AM, EST. Todd Wahlquist is assisting the family with their arrangements (850-385-2193, www.bevisfh.com).