Margaret Anne Kennedy

Margaret was born on April 24,1937 in Lake Charles, Louisiana to Vera and Jim Ford. The family, along with her younger sister Mary, all moved to Houston, TX in 1944 when Margaret was in the 4th grade. Margaret was a 1955 graduate of San Jacinto High School and Rice University in 1958.

Margaret and her family were very active at St. Paul’s Methodist Church. She met her high school sweetheart, Larry Kennedy, at the tender age of 14 in the youth group. They were married at Saint Paul’s on June 2, 1956.

As a young mom, her days were full of shuffling 4 kids, a busy social life, school activities and sports. The family was involved at Memorial Drive United Methodist Church where Margaret volunteered in many different ministries and programs. They also became active supporters of Young Life in their community and often hosted Young Life Clubs in their home.

When Margaret and Larry’s children were in college, they made a change in church membership and joined Second Baptist Church. They both began a wonderful personal walk with Jesus Christ and spent the following years serving, learning about the gospel and sharing it with others.

They were married for 43 years before Larry passed away at the age of 65. Both were instrumental in helping start the West Campus of Second Baptist Church. Even after his death, she stayed active in Adult Bible Study and choir at West. She loved singing in the choir, even when her voice wasn’t strong enough to sing anymore. She would still participate with a big smile on her face as it was one her favorite ways to serve, praise and fellowship with other believers. One of her greatest joys in this season was when she was chosen choir member of the year.

Margaret stepped way out of her comfort zone at the age of 67 and joined Younger Lives as a mentor to young moms. She did things she had never done before like speaking at Club, going to camp, zip-lining, traveling with girls, babies, & strollers! Margaret was the epitome of a classy, southern, well-dressed woman with lipstick on 24/7, and she even learned to play in the mud.

Margaret had been Larry’s best friend to travel with on business trips where they enjoyed meeting new people, visiting new places and taking clients and friends to Aggie football games. She continued to enjoy going on trips with The Traveling Aggies and sharing Mother/Daughter adventures. She looked forward to these trips and cherished the many memories made over the years.

To her grandchildren and their spouses, “Grammie” was the very definition of grace — regal yet warm, kind and endlessly thoughtful. She never missed a birthday or special occasion, always sending beautifully handwritten cards that made them feel truly seen and loved. Her compassion filled every space she entered, and her presence made each of them feel instantly at home. With a quick wit and sharp mind, she was as funny as she was wise — inquisitive, interested, and always ready to listen or gently teach. Her kitchen island was a reflection of her heart, covered in her grandkids’ cards, drawings, and notes — a living collage of love. Humble and pious, she radiated God’s love through her words and actions, never looking down on anyone but lifting them up with quiet strength and grace. Her grandchildren will forever miss her spunk, her sparkle, and the warmth that brightened every room she entered.

Margaret is preceded in death by her husband, Larry B. Kennedy and her daughter, Karen Leigh Kennedy. She is survived by her sister, Mary Ford Nettleton and husband, Ed Nettleton of Lake City, CO. Her children Anne Kennedy Kemp, Brian Kennedy, Lynn Kennedy Moore and as she would say, her favorite son-in-law Pat Moore. Grandchildren: Oliver and Reed Kemp, Jon and Becca Kemp, Katherine and Jacob Radford, Scott and Charlotte Kennedy, Chris and Kelsey Pate, Jonathan and Tiffany Schmalhausen, Machaela Moore and Cammie Moore. Great Grandchildren: Desi Pate, Hendrix Pate and Walker Kemp.

Additionally, the Dixon family, Kristen and David, whom she considered as close to her as her own children; their children: Russell and Liz Dixon, Megan and Blake Smalley, Mallory and Marshall Hickey, Becca and Clark McCormack and 15 great grandchildren.

Flowers are welcome, and donations can be made to the Younglives ministry of Young Life:

younglives.younglife.org