Afton Jensen-Kern

Sister Jensen was my seminary teacher my senior year of high school, 1979-80. Although I had 3 other wonderful seminary teachers, she was my favorite and the only one I kept in touch with over the last 30 years. Sister Jensen was more than a teacher to me she was an inspiration. She had so much faith of who I was and who I could become, she inspired me to be a better person, and a more faithful follower of Christ. She touched my soul in a way that affects the way I live today. I will always treasure that gift. I am sure that my 3 other seminary teachers were so happy when the school year ended and I and maybe a couple of my peers moved on to the next year of seminary! I was very sad to leave the warmth and love I felt everyday in Sister Jensen's class. And my heart aches knowing I won't be able to see this wonderful woman in this life again. Just a quick story I would like to share... She asked me to speak at Seminary Graduation which I felt was a honor that she asked me. I prepared my talk and asked her to review it and she asked me to delete the comments about what an amazing teacher she was, and so I did. My mother recorded my talk, yes with those obnoxious cassette tape recorders! And I can hear my mother saying to my step-dad, she left out the part about Sister Jensen. And to this day I regret I left it out. She had touched my soul and forever changed the person I became and I will always be grateful that she loved me and I loved her too.

It was 1959 when Jack and I had just moved to Napa because as a trainee-office manager for Scripps Newspapers he was temporarily assigned to the Napa Register. During the few months we lived in Napa our first daughter, Suzanne was born. It was a difficult birth and I was not well afterwards. We did not know many people and because we were only going to be here for a short time not many LDS really extended themselves to us. But Afton and Jack had us to dinner several times and in our circumstances it meant a great deal. I am sure they never realized the import of their kindness. When we returned to Napa many years later I reminded Afton but she had forgotten. I will never forget. Donna M. Morgan Angwin CA

She was the precious, long-time neighbor of my late parents-Wayne & Carmen Leach. So helpfull to my Mom when my Dad passed away 12/27/87. Always shared snacks with Mom & Mom gave fruit & lots of conversation She is in my prayers.

Our deepest sympathies on the passing of Keith's mother. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Afton and her husband already had several children yet they participated in our foster care program in Napa County. I met her as a Social Worker with Napa County. 30 years later my SW Supervisor went on a mission to the Genealogical Library in Salt Lake. We kept in contact by email and she kept mentioning how this one person named Afton was such a support to her. One day my friend Shirley mentioned that her friend Afton was from Napa Ca. She thought I would find that interesting since I live in Napa. I wrote her back right away and said: Your new friend is not by any chance named Afton Jensen, is it? And of course it was. Just wanted to let the family know that I am thinking about them and I know what a generous heart she shared with so many people.

TOUCH OF A HEROINE They may say life is meaningless; hmnn … I’d think as Afton would She always showed such willingness; in making this a better world, Gone but not so far away! She floats within the clouds above Seeking who had left astray, to nature, nourish and to love; I bet she’d tell the juvenile, ‘come ye close, there is this tale About the babe on river Nile, that had a mighty pharaoh fall, It doesn’t breath, his curved out sphinx; unless it gets another nose I travelled there and learnt its jinx; ceases once it rains and snows’ That we’d pick a humble line, from her long and tireless life Could surely be the best align, for such a loyal ‘n witty wife, Many here have felt her touch, and grieve with all Americans Her light is unto a dimming torch, that’s faded out for Africans; Perhaps we should remember her, yes, with tears but those of joy And print her deeds from everywhere, into a piece we’ll ever enjoy. For Afton Lorrene Jensen Kern (Friend, Wife, Mother and Granny) Africa’s Tribute by Martin Joe Mbuga

I could not begin to share memories I have there are way to many. All I can say is that if it were not for my mom adopting me I would not be the man I am today. She was so kind and gentle and had a huge heart. I love her so much, but now she gets to be with my dad. I LOVE YOU MOM.