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I was blessed growing up in Magee with so many special “adult” friends…people who made a difference in my life and helped to shape the person I am. One of these people was Lois Kennedy.
Mrs. Kennedy was not only physically beautiful …with her blonde hair always flipped up…in the latest fashions…and always smiling…but most importantly, Mrs. Kennedy had a spirit of loving, caring, and sharing. She was the driving force behind our YWA (Young Women’s Association) that empowered all of the young ladies in our church to continue a love for missions. I honestly can say that Mrs. Kennedy was the inspiration for the BYW (Baptist Young Women) in our church. She was our teacher in high school…and as we made our way back to Magee following college graduation, marriage, birth of children…we formed a mission group just like Mrs. Kennedy would have wanted…The BYW!!!
I do not recall ever seeing Mrs. Kennedy without a smile. Everyone adored Mrs. Kennedy. She was a true hostess and we all wanted to be “like Mrs. Kennedy.” I do not know how she put up with us crazy girls…but she did and she changed my life.
Mrs. Kennedy adored her husband, Fred. He was a character himself….and they both spoiled their precious daughter and only child, Donna.
Now, Donna…she is another story. Donna, Jane Mangum, Sandra Kees, Beverly Caldwell, and my sister, Linda Dickey were best of friends…. Mrs. Kennedy just joined in the fun taking the girls on vacations…including the group in all the fun adventures at the Kennedy household. I believe the Kennedy’s had one of the first swimming pools in Magee! In fact, Kennedy Drive is named for she and Fred (Kennedy). Fred was a visionary…and he saw growth for Magee…he was an “outside the box” thinker…he died a young man and left a sad spot in all of our lives. Following his death…and a few years later, Mrs. Kennedy moved to Jackson to be near Donna and her 3 grandchildren. We were devastated when she moved…how could she leave us! ….Mrs. Kennedy always came back to Magee for weddings and funerals for years.
She will never grow old in my mind. She will always be the smiling lady with the blonde flipped hair, a lady who was kind and caring to everyone.
Mrs. Kennedy is the last “mother” to die among the group of Donna, Jane, Sandra, Beverly, and Linda. Because I was the little sister, I tried to stay in these girls business…I too feel as if “my mother” has died.
Thank you Mrs. Kennedy for living a life of teaching by example…a life of love and kindness. You will always be young in my heart and mind.
Blessing and prayers to Donna and her family…we all loved Mrs. Lois.
Complete obituary is posted on the Obituary Page on MageeNews.com
“A Life that Made a Difference” is a perfect description of Mrs. Kennedy’s well-lived life. She was given the unofficial but loving title of “Permanent Home Room Mother” by Donna’s classmates years ago because of the love and care she showed all of us from the primer through high school, and beyond into our adult years. As a child, I would sit and glaze upon her beauty, grace and hospitality, as I realized she was an example of a true “Southern Lady.”
Sue, your loving tribute was so touching and special. Thank you for saying what so many of us feel at this time. Mrs. Lois touched so many lives with her sweetness her caring spirit, and her encouraging manner. She will be greatly missed. As I told Donna’s children today, Mrs. Lois was our “room mother,” and that’s how I choose to remember her. We were special to her, and she never let us forget it. Donna has the sweetness of her mother and the strength of her father. She is truly blest and needs our prayers through this period of transition. Love and so much appreciation for all you do, James Davis