Irish Rose Campbell Kennedy (90) was the fourth born child to the union of Fannie Collier and Charlie Campbell on December 4, 1929 in Register, Ga. Her Celebration of Life came to an end when she transitioned on September 12, 2020, at Avante Villa, at Jacksonville Beach, FL.
Even though her formal education was limited, later in life she completed her GED. Irish had several jobs after moving to Jacksonville Beach, but most important was working for Rose’s Department Store as a cafeteria manager for 4 years. She was then asked to take on her ultimate role as the Recreation Director of the Carver Center, working 17 years before retiring. While at Carver Center, Irish became an icon in the community, by taking on the children teaching them how to be productive citizens. She saw the need for the children to become more active in the community and implemented a boys and girls club where we participated in the Opening of the Beaches Parade for many years and many times winning the best float. She also planned many trips for the children to enjoy. Irish started the Carver Center Christmas Party where she worked with the community to feed and give gifts to hundreds of children in the Beaches community. Because of her dedication to the community, she was honored to be a winner of the 12 who cares community service award. Irish Loved her community and especially the children. She dedicated her life making sure that everyone felt special, and even though she had 8 kids of her own, she was the mother of many more. She was the President of the PTA at Jacksonville Beach Elementary, and a member of the Lily White Lodge. Irish has so many more accomplishments in her life that are not mentioned here. Irish will be forever missed in the Jacksonville Beach Community.
Irish Rose Kennedy was a member of First Missionary Baptist Church, Jacksonville Beach, FL. She was active with the Ushers Ministry, women ministry, Choir and much more. She remained faithful until her health failed. Irish's wonderful sense of humor and enjoyment of life spread to everyone around her. Her tremendous spirit and loving ways will be sorely missed by everyone who knew her.
She believed that you should do what makes you happy. Be with who makes you smile. Laugh as much as you breathe and love as long as you live. With this ideology guiding her life, as a young women, Irish Rose Campbell met and married the love of her life, Ivory Lee Kennedy on May 12, 1945. Eight adorable children were born to that union; Joan, Jessie, Willie, Freddie, Robert, Jimmie, Alberta and Michael.
Irish Rose Kennedy had an amazing outlook on life. She believed and advocated that an arrow can only be shot by pulling it backward. When life is dragging you back with difficulties, it means it's going to launch you into something great. So just focus and keep aiming.
Irish Rose Kennedy was preceded in death by her parents Charlie and Fannie Campbell; husband of 75 years Ivory Lee Kennedy, sons, Willie Lewis Kennedy, Jimmie Ray Kennedy, Michael Toni Kennedy and grandson, Robert Christian Kennedy.
The legacy of her seasons is cherished and remembered by her children, Joan Kennedy Williams, Dayton, OH, Jessie Kennedy (Namson), Blytheville, AR, Freddie Kennedy (Roxanne), Jacksonville Beach, FL, Robert Kennedy (Rickie), Upper Marlboro, MD, Alberta Kennedy Floyd (Michael), Jacksonville, FL and daughter in law Priscilla Kennedy, Saint Johns, FL; 24 grandchildren, 41 great grandchildren; 6 great-great grandchildren; Goddaughter, Michelle Henry and a host of other supportive family (nephews, nieces, cousins) and sorrowing friends.
A visitation will be held from 6-8pm, Friday, September 18, 2020 at Hardage-Giddens Oaklawn Legacy Lodge, 4801 San Jose Blvd., Jacksonville. Graveside service will be held at 11am, Saturday, September 19, 2020 at Beaches Memorial Park.
Arrangements by Hardage-Giddens Oaklawn Chapel, 4801 San Jose Blvd., Jacksonville 904-737-7171. Please sign the guestbook at www.hardagegiddensoaklawnchapel.com.
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