Carolyn Sara Bell Kennedy

Carolyn Sara Bell Kennedy was born on April 22, 1942 in Cayce, South Carolina to Calvin and Cleo Stepney. She was the eldest daughter of seven children. An ambitious young woman, Carolyn graduated from Booker T. Washington High School in Columbia South Carolina in 1960, and received her Cosmetology license shortly after. During high school she began dating what would become her future husband. She married Curtis J. Kennedy, a medical corpsman in the US Navy in 1961. They moved to San Diego, California where they began their life together.

The couple started their family in 1962, welcoming their first of four children; two boys and two girls. While growing their family, Carolyn and Curtis furthered their education at community college. Both obtained their Real Estate license and established Seven Star Realty, a successful, black owned real estate company in San Diego. Although Carolyn was business minded, she was fiercely committed to her family. Carolyn led by example and was a member of Christian Fellowship Congregational Church for over 20 years. She ensured that her children were raised with christian values, had access to quality education, and were immersed in sports and extracurricular activities.

Carolyn went on to pursue a lengthy career in the banking industry. She worked as a teller, merchant teller, new accounts rep, private banker, and ultimately a bank operation Manager for Bank of America branches across San Diego and Coronado, CA. After decades of loyal service, Carolyn retired from B of A . Following her retirement, she was sought after to help open Southwest Community Bank in San Marcos, CA where she established banking operation procedures and provided branch management.

Once Carolyn decided it was time to truly retire, she enjoyed the fruits of her labor! Following her move to Wildomar/Murrieta CA, she resumed one of her longtime loves... the game of tennis! Playing in several tennis clubs since the early 1970's, she maintained her competitive spirit on the court until the ripe age of 78! Carolyn (and her bestie, Florence) also commuted to sing in the Martin Luther King Jr. Community Choir of San Diego. Since 1995, Carolyn was deeply committed to "the MLK," and supporting youth studying arts and music! She participated in concerts locally and abroad. She also served as Treasurer. Carolyn's belief in volunteerism and civic duty led her to work at voting polls until 2020, and support food distribution within her community.

In January 2026, Carolyn, the woman with a radiant smile and beautiful spirit was diagnosed with an aggressive illness. She returned to her Lord and Savior on Sept. 14, 2026, at age 84, while surrounded by loved ones. She is survived by her children Morrieau, Carol (Yvette), Alice (NeeCee), and Jerome Kennedy; grandchildren, Caprese (Nikki) and Derrick Anderson, Sean Hatchett, Dominique Kennedy, Jalen Kennedy, and Daunte Terry, She will be missed by her beloved great grandchildren, Chamia Kennedy-King, Sarah Anderson, Derrick Anderson Jr. and great, great, grandchildren Castiel Lubin, and Amorra King. She is/was cherished by her siblings, Wallace Stepney (deceased), Mildred (Mickie) Reese, Cleo P (Pat) Stepney, Calvin (Pete) Stepney (deceased), Daryle Stepney (deceased), Malvenia L Stepney (deceased) and a host of nieces and nephews. Special recognition is also given to Caregiver, Leslie Allen, our "extended family," and many longtime friends.

A Graveside Service will be held at Miller-Jones Menifee Memorial Park and Mortuary, Tranquil Garden, 26770 Murrieta Rd., Menifee, CA 92585, US, on October 21, 2026, from 11:00 am to 11:30 am.

A Celebration of Life (Reception) will be held at Miller-Jones Menifee Memorial Park and Mortuary, 26770 Murrieta Rd., Menifee, CA 92585, US, on October 21, 2026, from 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm.