Odein Anthonette Samuda Kennedy

Sunrise: September 16, 1966 - Born in the serene hills of Silent Hill, Clarendon, Jamaica, she carried the warmth, tenacity, and strength of her roots throughout her life.

Sunset: October 28, 2025 – Transitioned in the loving arms of her husband and best friend Fitzroy “Squaddy” Kennedy in their home in Miramar, Florida.

A Life of Grace and Grit

She was a stunningly beautiful woman —vivacious, fun-loving, adventurous, and spunky, yet gracefully guarded. Her spirit was magnetic, her courage unwavering, and her laughter unforgettable. She lived life with a zest that inspired everyone around her, embracing each moment with curiosity, joy and determination. She loved to travel, dance and tend to the garden with her husband.

Her Values

Family was her heartbeat. Though she was raised by her grandmother and grandfather, she also spent valuable time with her parents and siblings and the extended family village; that was the Silent Hill way. This molded the life she created with and for her husband and daughters that were her world. She loved deeply, gave selflessly, and remained grounded in the values instilled in her by her humble beginnings in Silent Hill. When she met her first husband and father of her daughters, his family values and closeness were so immensely appealing to her that she remained an enduring and permanent member of that family to the end, giving her girls the gift of love and support of both Squaddy’s and Gregory’s big family tents. Education and financial discipline were pillars of her life—principles she lived by and passed on to her children.

Her Legacy

She was a woman of quiet strength who made countless sacrifices to ensure her children Nneka and Na’yla had safety, security, and stability. Her legacy lives on in their achievements, their character, and the love they carry forward.

Her Journey in Education

She began her academic journey at Sacred Heart Catholic School in Christiana, then high school at DeCarteret College in Mandeville, continuing at Knox Community College in Spaulding, Clarendon. Her pursuit of excellence led her to the University of the District of Columbia for her undergraduate degree, and later to St. Thomas University in Florida, for her master’s degree.

Her life was a testament to resilience, love, and the power of dreams nurtured with discipline and devotion.

Her Career

Carol started her career in Jamaica with Insurance Company of the West Indies (ICWI). When she migrated to the USA to further her education, she worked at a law firm in Washington DC during and after college. When she moved to Florida, she worked as a college recruiter at St. Thomas University, where she also earned a master’s in social work. She transitioned to the Broward School System where she worked as a guidance counselor for over a decade.

Her compassion and community spirit spread beyond her family, she touched the lives of friends, neighbors, and colleagues through her generosity, kindness and sometimes sass. Always willing to lend a helping hand or offer words of encouragement. Her legacy of compassion continues to inspire all who had the privilege to know her.

Odein is survived by her husband Fitzroy Kennedy, daughters Nneka and Na’yla King, mom Maxine Haynes, dad Gregory Samuda and siblings Tamara, Corey, Paulette, Paul, Hugh, Ardene and Seaan, Aunts, Uncles, and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins

A Celebration of Life will be held at Oasis Church, located at 12201 SW 14th Street, Pembroke Pines, FL 33025, on November 15, 2025, from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm.

The Celebration of Life will be livestreamed. Please see below link:

https://boxcast.tv/view/november-15th-funeral-nhdyscmhvmo2en0q1tgw?_gl=1*1qfc9kx*_gcl_au*MTMzNzA4NzIwNC4xNzU4NDcwNjA1Ljg3MjgyMDQ0NC4xNzYyODY5NzU0LjE3NjI4Njk4OTI.*_ga*NzQ3OTQzNzg3LjE3MjQwODEzMjk.*_ga_PXBBF7HVWQ*czE3NjI4Njk3NTQkbzE2OCRnMSR0MTc2Mjg2OTg5MSRqNTkkbDAkaDA

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the following GoFundMe page in support of the families affected by Hurricane Melissa in Jamaica.

https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-odeins-community-after-hurricane-melissa?attribution_id=sl:dd995874-7f45-45d2-ae16-b2dff991cbd7&lang=en_US&ts=1762127633&utm_campaign=man_sharesheet_dash&utm_content=amp17_control&utm_medium=customer&utm_source=whatsapp