Marilyn Kennedy

Graveside services for Marilyn Ruth Kelley Kennedy, 94, of Knoxville, Tennessee, will be held on Sunday, December 5, 2021, at Providence Memorial Park in Lake Providence, at 2 p.m., officiated by Bro. Don Boyette.

A celebration of life will be held in Ruston, on Monday, December 6, at 11 a.m., at Emmanuel Baptist Church with Bro. Paul Watts officiating.

Known by most as Granny or Ms. Marilyn, she was born on September 22, 1927, in Amarillo, Texas. After marrying, she moved to Lake Providence. She worked as a legal secretary for years before opening a needlework shop.

After her husband’s death, she and her mother-in-law, Lillie B Kennedy, moved to Ruston, where she was an active member of Emmanuel Baptist Church. She moved with her daughter to Knoxville, Tennessee, in July 2019.

Surrounded by family members, Granny passed away peacefully at her home on November 22, 2021, following a brief illness. All who knew her remember that Granny was never idle.

She was always creating some sewing or needlework project, and her work blesses the homes of most of her friends and family members. As her family would agree, “Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last; but a woman who fears the Lord will be greatly praised.” (Prov 31:30)

She was a devout Christian and used her resources to promote Christianity where she could, firm in her faith that only these types of works were really important.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Arlo and Grace Kelley; her husband, H. Leroy Kennedy, Jr.; and daughter-in-law, Teresa Bell Kennedy.

She is survived by her children, Hal and Cindy Kennedy of Reno, Nevada; Kelley Kennedy of Marble, Arkansas; Mike and Pam Kennedy of Deville; Kay Bradford of Knoxville, Tennessee; and Pat and Karen Kennedy of Hot Springs Village, Arkansas; 18 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; and a host of friends. Memorials may be made to Emmanuel Baptist Church, 1200 Farmerville Hwy, Ruston, LA 71270, or First Baptist Concord, 11704 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN 37934.