Patsy Jean Kennedy

Patsy Jean Kennedy, 78, of Fordyce and Hope, died on Oct 6, 2011. She was born on October 4, 1933, in Hope, Arkansas to her late parents, Dee and Dovie Roberts. As the youngest of seven children, Patsy grew up surrounded by laughter. Life held great joy for her and she was well-loved by all who knew her.

Patsy married her lifelong love, Verdon Kennedy, in August of 1951. During their 60 years of marriage, they were blessed with three sons, scores of friends in each of the many locations they lived during Verdon's military career, and a multitude of adoring family.

Patsy was known for her talent for china and porcelain painting. She liked organizing family, church and social events, and seemed to bring out the very best in others. Her smile was constant, her curiosity endearing and her love for family and friends evident. She was an active member of the First Baptist Church of Fordyce for the past 12 years and a former member of the First Baptist Church of DeRidder, Louisiana, and Unity Baptist Church of Hope.

She was preceded in death by her parents and brothers, Sherman and Roy Roberts and sisters Wilma Ross, Mae Wells, and Dovie Alexander.

Patsy's survivor's include her husband, Verdon Kennedy, three sons and daughters-in-law, John Kennedy and his wife, Cindy, of Springhill, Arkansas, Don Kennedy and his wife, Terri, of Texarkana, Texas, and Dan Kennedy and his wife, Linda, of Mansfield, Arkansas. She is also survived by 11 grandchildren: Cassidy Kennedy and Whitney Kennedy of Springhill, Arkansas; Leslie Kennedy of Little Rock; Kaitlyn Thomas and husband, Andrew, of Norman, Oklahoma; Chelsea Cook and husband, Brent, of Maumelle Arkansas; Casey Harriman and her husband, Preston, of Huntsville, Arkansas; Katie Sloan of Springdale, Arkansas; Hope Pulliam of Fayetteville and her husband, Shannon; Tember Simonek and her husband, Robbie, of Livingston, Alabama; Ethan Kennedy of Nash, Texas; and Shelly Straham of Van Buren, Arkansas. Patsy also had 9 adoring great grandchildren. Patsy is also survived by her sister Virginia Rhea Wilson of Texarkana, Arkansas, and sister-in-law Imogene Kennedy of Little Rock, Arkansas. In addition, she had numerous nieces, nephews and cousins who held a special place in her heart.

Patsy Kennedy's family and friends will gather to honor her at the First Baptist Church in Fordyce, Arkansas on October 10th at 2 PM. The family will receive friends immediately following the service at the First Baptist Church Family Life Center. In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to First Baptist Church in Fordyce, Arkansas. Arrangements are by Benton Funeral Home of Fordyce. To sign the online register visit www.bentonfuneralhome.com .