Mary Jean Kincer

With hearts full of love and gratitude, we celebrate the remarkable life of Mary Jean Kincer, born February 9, 1933, in Knoxville, Tennessee, and joyfully welcomed into her eternal home in Heaven on May 10, 2026. Mary lived 93 radiant years filled with faith, compassion, and an unshakable devotion to her family.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, Clarence and Frances Johnson; her brothers, Clarence Johnson Jr. and Michael Johnson; her beloved sisters in law Helen and Joyce Johnson; her first husband, Walter Kennedy Sr.; her second husband, Ted Kincer Sr.; her son, Walter Kennedy Jr.; and her daughter, Gail Kincer. Though she had no biological sisters, God blessed her with a lifelong “chosen sister,” Marinel Edwards, whose friendship remained strong and cherished until Mary’s final day on earth.

Raised in the Catholic faith, Mary graduated from Sacred Heart Catholic High School in Atlanta, Georga and went on to attend Nursing School in Knoxville, Tennessee. She began her career as an Operating Room Nurse at St. Mary’s Hospital, later returning to nursing after raising her children. She retired from South Fulton Medical Center, where staff and patients lovingly called her “Their Angel.” Her gentle hands and kind heart comforted countless people throughout her life.

Mary was the proud mother of Michael Kennedy, Frances Kennedy, Gail Kincer, Walter Kennedy Jr., Carl Kincer, Thomas Kennedy, Terri Kincer Beach, Beverly Kincer Williams, James Kincer, Erskine Kincer, and Ted Kincer Jr. While biologically only 8 were hers, Mary embraced her stepchildren with the same unconditional love that she gave to all. Whenever asked how many children she had, she would smile and the answer was always the same, “11”. Her legacy continues through 14 grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren, and 1 great great grandchild, all a part of the beautifully blended family she treasured.

After marrying Ted, Mary became a devoted member of Calvary Baptist Church, where her faith flourished. She joyfully served as a children’s Sunday School teacher, as Secretary/Treasurer of the COMET Sunday School class and as the church organist, and pianist when needed, although playing the piano was not her favorite. Mary rarely missed a service; when she could no longer drive herself, her children lovingly made sure she was there until her health and memory failed her. The love for her Lord and Savior and her church family meant the world to her.

Mary was a woman of extraordinary strength, patience, and tenderness. She lived her life with a heart wide open, always ready with a warm smile, a gentle touch, or a comforting word. Her favorite saying, one she shared freely and often, perfectly captured her spirit:“God loves you, and so do I.” And she meant it every single time.

Mary’s life was a gift—one filled with grace, laughter, devotion, and unwavering love. Her family rejoices knowing she is now at peace, reunited with those she loved, and wrapped in the arms of her Savior.

A funeral service will take place at Calvary Baptist Church , 1626 Flat Shoals Road SE, Atlanta, GA 30316, on May 18, 2026, from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm, followed by a committal service at Fairview Memorial Gardens, 164 Fairview Road, Stockbridge, Georgia 30281, US, on May 18, 2026, from 12:30 pm to 12:45 pm.