Mrs. Kennedy was born October 9, 1932 in Marshall, Texas, the daughter of the late Lizzie (Porter) and William Paul Gilliam. She passed away Saturday, August 21, 2021 at her residence.
Kathryn was the youngest of three daughters. Kathryn was the first in her family to graduate from high school. She graduated from Marshall High School 1951. She moved to Houston in 1951, after graduation and moved in with her dear aunt. She went to work at Southwestern Bell Telephone Company in 1951. Kathryn met Marvin L Kennedy in 1952 and after a few dates, she had him over for a home cooked meal. Mom said after that meal, he called her every morning and every night. They were married April 10, 1953.
After 23 years of being a housewife and mother of 4 children she went to work at Angelina County Clerk's office as a Deputy and bookkeeper in 1970 and retired after 24 years in 1994. She was a member of ParkView Baptist Church for 23 years. She taught Sunday School and shared her love for Jesus Christ. She accepted Jesus into her heart at the age of 9 years old. Kathryn made sure to instill the love of Christ into her children, and grandchildren. Kathryn's love was unconditional. She was a true witness of unshakable faith. She was virtuous, strong, and taught her family that God was the most important part of our lives. She cared deeply for her husband and children. Kathryn put the needs of her family before her own. A woman of noble character who walked by faith, the rock of our family.
"Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies" Proverbs 34:10
Survivors include her daughters, Karen McClendon and husband Gaylon and Kathy Kennedy Chatman and husband Herb; grandchildren, Lori Ann McClendon, Lisa Kay McClendon Nelson and husband Stevie,David Massingill, Daniel Massingill and wife Jennifer, Paul Massingill and wife Mattie, Kristy Kennedy, Alyce Ferguson and husband William, Amber Jones, and Melissa Miller; 25 great-grandchildren; 4 great-great grandchildren; and a number of nieces, nephews, and other family members.
Kathryn was preceded in death by her parents; her husband of 54 years, Marvin Lee Kennedy; daughter, Barbara Miller; son, Kenneth Kennedy; grandson, Matt Miller; and sisters, Adelle Gonzales and Nell Latham.
Pallbearers will be David Massingill, Daniel Massingill, Paul Massingill, Khamrin Massingill, Little David Massingill and Austin Massingill.
The family will receive friends from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Wednesday evening at the funeral home.
Condolences may be offered at www.gipsonfuneralhome.com
Services have been placed in the trust of Gipson Funeral Home.
