Lynne Middlebrooks Kernaghan

Lynne Middlebrooks Kernaghan, age 76, passed away Wednesday, September 15, 2021, at the Atrium Navicent Hospital.  A lifelong resident of Macon, Lynne lived a life of love, laughter, and courage. A devout Christian, Lynne loved the Lord and was always actively striving to understand the Word and deepen her own faith.  She was active in several churches and bible studies, a member of the Jr. League of Macon, and of Leadership Georgia. An accomplished vocalist, Lynne was a featured soloist in the Macon Civic Club musical reviews which raises thousands of dollars every year for Middle Georgia charities. 

For the past two decades, until her recent retirement, Lynne was the Director of Georgia Health Decisions, an organization designed to reflect the voices of the people of Georgia regarding health care issues.  She was instrumental in the creation of the Georgia Coalition for Health, which later led the way for the foundation of the Georgia Health Policy Center.   She was perhaps most proud of their work to create the Critical Conditions Planning Guide to help Georgians talk to their loved ones about communicating their wishes at end of life.

Her spirit for adventure was always at the forefront of her life.  Along with two of her closest friends, they created the musical trio, The Girlfriends.  For over a decade, the Girlfriends traveled the Southeast to sing and perform at weddings, reunions, conventions, and for charitable causes.  Her desire for perfection was the brand of their performances and she was always ready for one more encore!  The week after 9/11, Lynne drove to New York City to volunteer in the recovery efforts for the victims of the terrorist attacks.   She felt a calling to be there; her persistence to follow her heart was one of her strongest gifts.

When asked about his favorite memory of his mom, her son, Charlie simply said, “Listening to her sing hymns and rock and roll.”  What a perfect description of the life she loved.

Lynne is preceded in death by her daughter, Ashley, and survived by her husband, Gene, son Charlie, brothers, Henry Middlebrooks (Shirley) and Sid Middlebrooks (Susan), several nieces and nephews, and her beloved dog, Abby.

A memorial service will be held at 2:30 p.m on Sunday, October 17, 2021, at Hart's Chapel of the Cupola.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations to the St. Jude’s Children Hospital or Samaritan’s Purse which provides emergency relief to U.S victims of natural disasters.

Hart’s at the Cupola, Hart's Mortuary and Cremation Center, 6324 Peake Rd, Macon, GA 31210 has charge of the arrangements.   

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