Obituary of Mildred Kennedy

Mildred “Bill” Kennedy was born in Rock Hill, South Carolina (York County) on August 3, 1934. She was the daughter of the late Hayward Sr. and Sarah Cherry. The name “Bill” was given to her as a nick name as a teenager. Mildred was the second child born of four children from this marriage reunion. Mildred graduated from Emmett Scott High School in Rock Hill South Carolina in May 1952. She was a proud member of the Rock Hill Scott-ites (Philadelphia and New Jersey Chapters). She always enjoyed attending the Scott-ites chapter meetings and reunions. Mildred at an early age professed her faith in Jesus Christ and joined Mount Prospect Baptist Church on W. Black St. Rock Hill, South Carolina, where she song on the choir. She was united in Holy matrimony in York County South Carolina to Samuel Lee Kennedy on February 1, 1953. From this marriage was born four children: Ricky Darnell Kennedy, Derek Kennedy, Donald Lee Kennedy and Sharon Lavette Kennedy. The couple made a move from Rock Hill to Philadelphia, Pa. in 1953. They joined Emmanuel Institutional Baptist Church in Philadelphia. The family built a house in Chesilhurst, New Jersey and moved into the small borough in September 1973. Mildred joined and became a member of Greater Calvary Baptist Church in West Atco, New Jersey. In the year of 1982, Mildred became one of the founders of starting a New Church called “First Baptist Church of Chesilhurst, New Jersey. She loved this little church which was small in size but big in the heart with God. Here at First Baptist, she was an active member of the trustee board, missionary board, Church choir, and clothing ministry. She served on of these auxiliaries proudly. She worked for a company called Good Lad in Philadelphia for thirty years as a sewing machine operator before returning back to school for business studies and Home Health Aid. Her last place of employment was with Bayonne Nursing as a home health aide. She enjoyed helping disabled people in need of medical assistance. Sister Kennedy loved playing the piano, reading books, cooking, watching cowboy movies and taking enjoyable rides in cars, particularly long rides from New Jersey to Rock Hill South Carolina. As a result of her generous spirit and pleasant personality, she was loved by many people who gravitated towards her. Her Christian life was as beautiful as the flowers that she loved so well, and her influence will remain in the lives of all who knew her. Mildred lived her life by religious principles. She was a dedicated servant of God, wife, mother, sister, grandmother, great grandmother, aunt and friend. She leaves to cherish her memories: Her three sons, Rickie D. Kennedy of Sicklerville, New Jersey; Derek Kennedy of Chesilhurst, New Jersey; Donald L. Kennedy (Tressie) of Hainesport, New Jersey; preceded in death her daughter Sharon L. Palmer, Sister In-Law Marion Cherry of Rock Hill, South Carolina; preceded in death her grandson Eric “Christopher” Robinson and a host of loving grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins and lengthy family and friends.