Jessie Mae Kennedy

Jessie Mae Kennedy was born April 3, 1931 to the late Charles Hayes and Minerva Patton.  She departed this life peacefully on March 23, 2024 surrounded by her loved ones.

Jessie accepted Christ and was baptized at an early age in Decatur, Alabama. Jessie was a long-time member of Mt. Carmel Baptist Church where she served on the usher board. Jessie and Jimmie joined Mt. Paran Church in 1998 and were faithful members until health prevailed.

She married the love of her life Jimmie D. Kennedy on April 26, 1952, and raised 6 children.   She was a devoted mother that enjoyed cooking and entertaining. Jessie had a special way of making each of her children feel as though they were her favorite just ask them they will proudly say they were her favorite. She was a member of the PTA, The National Council of Negro Women and always found ways to be involved in her community. 

Jessie’s career spanned over 70 years, starting at Indiana Glove factory, and retiring from Berkshire Senior Living as a Receptionist, only after ensuring her grandchildren Daniel, Chris, TJ, and Jessica had the opportunity to start their first jobs in the dining hall. She was also responsible for kickstarting the careers of most of her children.  Starting with Ronnie at the Department of Transportation, Kittie at the City Controller’s Office, Debbie with the Marion County Courts, and she supported Steve’s career choice to join the Marines.

Jessie was preceded in death by her parents Charles Hayes and Minerva Patton, her husband Jimmie D Kennedy, son Howard Kennedy, daughter Gail Riley, sister Martha Settles, brothers Junior, Lewis, Eugene, and Charles Patton.

She leaves to cherish her memory, four children; Steven Kennedy (Ingrid), Ronnie Kennedy (Patricia), Kathleen Kennedy-Bunnell, Deborah Sullivan-Herndon(Harold); brothers Robert D Patton, Leroy Patton; sisters Shirley Williams (Roosevelt), and Tracine Wood. 12 grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and a host of other family and friends.