Nelda Frances Kennedy

Nelda Frances Kennedy, 88, of Fort Worth, Texas, passed into the presence of her Lord on May 3, 2026, in Fort Worth, Texas. Born April 8, 1938, in Stroud, Oklahoma, to Oliver John Wilkins and Rebecca Frances (Evans) Wilkins, Nelda lived a full and faith-filled life marked by joy, music, and deep love for others.

She grew up in Oklahoma and attended Capitol Hill High School, later making homes in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; Springfield, Missouri; Union, Kentucky; Grenelefe, Florida; and Katy, Texas, before settling in Fort Worth in 2021.

At the center of Nelda’s life was her unwavering faith in God. She joyfully served through Grace Baptist Church, Southwest Baptist Church, Trinity Baptist Church in Abilene, and Baptist Bible College, and supported missions through Faith Promise Giving and the Rawlings Foundation based in Union, Kentucky, who served and endorsed people in China. Her life reflected her favorite reminder to others: “Try to put yourself in their place.” She modeled compassion, kindness, and grace in every season.

Music was one of Nelda’s greatest joys. She loved traditional gospel, church hymns, and piano music, and shared her gift of song as a member of the Hymntones trio. Her perfect day was a Sunday filled with worship, a powerful message, and time spent gazing at the beauty of the sky, imagining the promise of the rapture with family and friends.

Nelda’s life was also richly blessed through her marriages. She married Alan Dale Blaylock on June 20, 1959, and together they built a life and family until his passing in 1993. She later married Leland Kennedy on April 13, 1996, sharing years of companionship, faith, and love until his passing in 2021. Both marriages were treasured chapters in her story.

She brought joy wherever she went, known for her playful sense of humor, often laughing at herself, sharing jokes and pranks, delighting in babies, and enjoying time with her dear friend Delores. She was a gracious friend, a stylish dresser, a gifted singer, and someone who made others feel seen and cared for.

Professionally, Nelda devoted 32 years to the Oklahoma Employment Security Commission, where she worked as a secretary and served as a Director of Special Programs, and she also served as a Credit Union Board President. Her work reflected her dedication, leadership, and heart for helping others.

More than anything, Nelda loved God, her family, and people. She found joy in singing, traveling, shopping, going to the theater, and simply being there for others. Her legacy lives on in the countless lives she touched with her warmth, faith, and generosity.

She is survived by her children, Terri Parrish and her husband Kelvin of Granbury, Texas, and Bruce Blaylock of Fort Worth, Texas; her stepchildren, Kevin Kennedy and his wife Pam of Kingwood, Texas, Scott Kennedy and his wife Tiffany of Spring, Texas, and Darla Kennedy of Davenport, Florida; her sister-in-law, Anne Wilkins of San Mateo, California; nine grandchildren; thirteen great-grandchildren; as well as five nieces and one nephew.

She was preceded in death by her husbands, Alan Dale Blaylock and Leland Kennedy; her parents Oliver and Rebecca; her brothers, Kenneth Wilkins and his wife Frances (Fran), Carol Wilkins, and Keith Wilkins; and her sister, Janice Wilkerson and her husband Hardy.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the caregivers at The Tradition Assisted Living and Memory Care and St. Gabriel’s Hospice for their compassionate care.

Nelda will be remembered for her joyful spirit, her steadfast faith, and the love she so freely gave.