Merle Kennedy, 101, of Quitman, Mississippi, passed away on December 24, 2024, at her residence. She was born on December 11, 1923, to Walter and Mae (Fleming) Martin in Hiwannee, MS. She has lived most of her life in Clarke County. She retired from Quitman Knitting Mills in 1990 and spent her retirement years doing what she loved: gardening, cooking for her family and serving her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ faithfully at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church.
"Grandma" was the matriarch of the family—a true blessing to her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren. Her legacy will live on through them, and she will be missed by all of her family and friends.
Merle is survived by her sons, Dennis (Peggy) Kennedy, Tony (Donna) Kennedy, and Mike (Cathy) Kennedy; daughter, Marlene (Jerry) Lewis; daughter-in-law, Sandy Kennedy; 18 grandchildren; 36 great grandchildren; 16 great-great grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Leon Kennedy; father, Walter T. Martin; mother, Mae Martin; son, Dale Kennedy; daughter-in-law, Judy Kennedy; grandson-in-law, Danny Wayne Palmer, Jr.; four sisters, Bertha Williams, Helen Wilson Zitterow, (twins) Trucy Goldman and Drucy Martin; and seven brothers, Ed, Carl, James, Ray, Haskel "Buddy", Joe Paul and Sam Martin.
Visitation was held Friday, December 27, 2024, 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church, Quitman, Mississippi.
Funeral services were held on Friday, December 27, 2024, 11:00 a.m. at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church with Rev. Bo Bankston, Rev. Dennis Kennedy, and Rev. Jeremy Clearman officiating.
Burial took place in the Kennedy Family Cemetery.
Pallbearers were Tracy Kennedy, Jason Kennedy, Kevin Kennedy, Andy Kennedy, Scotty Lewis, Ben Kennedy, and Allen Kennedy. Honorary Pallbearers were Blake Thomas and Jordan Lewis.
A special thanks to her excellent caregivers for the last three years, Janet, Kim, Polly and Emilie who loved and cared for her so well.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering. Online condolences can be given at www.wrightsfuneral.com.
Submitted by Wright’s Funeral Home
