Mattie Darlene Kennedy

Funeral services for Mattie Darlene Kennedy, 88, of Nacogdoches, formerly of New Caney/Houston, will be held at 10:00am, Tuesday, February 21, 2023 at Kingwood Funeral Home in Kingwood, Texas with Pastor Kirk Hall officiating. Graveside services will be held at 3:00pm, Tuesday, February 21, 2023 at High Prairie Cemetery in Madisonville, Texas. Visitation will be held from 5:00-8:00pm, Monday, February 20, 2023 at Kingwood Funeral Home.

Mattie Darlene Kennedy was born to Harvey Langford Sandel and Maude Revella (Conn) Sandel on July 6, 1934 in Leona, Texas. She has left us with one surviving brother, Joe Sandel and his wife Peggy Sandel and brother-in-law, G.T. “Kap” Kaptchinskie; son, David Kennedy and wife Edna Davis Kennedy; daughter, Dianne Kennedy Martin and husband Lendell Martin Jr; and daughter-in-law, Jean Hnatek Kennedy; grandchildren, Brian Kennedy, John Kennedy and wife Karen, Sarah Nichols and husband Chance, Timothy Kennedy and wife Caitlyn, Stephanie Walker and husband Cary, Cody Martin and wife Tammy, Justin Martin and wife Jeanette, Kevin Kennedy and wife Misty, Keith Kennedy and wife Jennifer, Kenneth Kennedy and wife Kelly; great-grandchildren, Bryn Kennedy, Kaden Kennedy, Laken Kennedy, Kenna Nichols, Kaylee Nichols, Colton Nichols, Weston Kennedy, Kimber Kennedy, Rossi Kennedy, Tabatha McCuistion and spouse Stormy, Tyler Walker and spouse Jessica, Tristan Riddle and spouse Alex, Taylor Worsham and spouse Kade, Cutter Walker, Carter Martin and spouse Taylor, Savannah Martin, Logan Martin and spouse Victoria, Jordan Martin and fiancé Aaron; Maverick Martin, Alanna Martin, Braxton Martin, Preslee Martin, Payton Martin, Josh Kennedy, Dash Kennedy, Ana Kennedy, Owen Kennedy, Bryleigh Kennedy, Nathan Kennedy, Olivia Kennedy, Hannah Kennedy, Benjamin Kennedy, Harlan Inkster, and Holdyn Inkster; great-great-grandchildren, Adley and Grady McCuistion, Rylie Fennley, Emmie Walker, Korbin Worsham, Paisleigh Martin, and Reece Martin; numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Harvey and Maude; the love of her life, Melvin Kennedy; youngest son, Odie Kennedy; sisters, Bobbie Kaptchinskie, Christyne Thiele and husband Louis, June Hunt and husband Elliot; brother, Langford Sandel and wife Blanche; and several nieces and nephews.

Darlene married Melvin Carroll Kennedy on September 7, 1951. She was a housewife until her children were all in school, then she went to work in the Tax office for North Forest ISD where she became chief appraiser, until her retirement. Mr. and Mrs. Kennedy started out living in Northeast Houston, where the kids were raised, then moved to New Caney, Texas for 40+ years, and then finally moving to Nacogdoches, Texas, when Hurricane Harvey claimed her home.

Darlene was a devout and faithful Christian and a member of High Point Church in Splendora, Texas until her move and was currently a member of University Baptist in Nacogdoches, Texas. She was a member of the Eastern Star, she has her CTA, RPA, & RTA certifications in tax appraisals. She was an avid quilter and taught quilting at High Point for many years. She was also an avid shopper, Amazon loved her!

Mere words cannot express what a godly, Christian wife, mother, sister, grandmother, aunt, and friend that she was. A true example of the gifts of the spirit. She was a prayer warrior for all but would pray for you to be miserable if you were not walking with God and His path. She loved all and accepted all. She was a stern disciplinary, but she also loved beyond measure. She was an example of what our bible says that we are supposed to be. February 14th, Valentine’s Day, she was welcomed into Heaven by her true love of her life and Valentine and by Jesus, who said, “Welcome Home” my True and Faithful servant. Job well done!!!”

Darlene will be escorted to her final resting place next to her husband, Melvin, by her grandsons who are serving as pallbearers: Brian Kennedy, John Kennedy, Chance Nichols, Timothy Kennedy, Cary Walker, Cody Martin, Justin Martin, Kevin Kennedy, Keith Kennedy, and Kenneth Kennedy.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.kingwoodfuneralhome.com for the Kennedy family.