Jessie M. Kennedy

Jessie Wanda Marie Kennedy was born May 6, 1934 to the late Augustus D. Turner and Roberta Paige Turner in Roanoke Virginia. On Wednesday, December 7 ,2022 the Lord saw fit to call her from labor to rest, to the church triumphant. At the age of 3 upon the passing of her mother, Jessie relocated to Bridgeport Connecticut, where she was raised by her oldest sister Ruby and her husband Carl Pullen along with her other 9 siblings. Jessie began her early educational training at the Church Of God In Christ Inc. school, Saints Industrial, in Lexington, Mississippi. Upon leaving Saints Industrial, she returned to Bridgeport, Connecticut and continued her formal education, graduating from Warren Harding High School in 1952. She went on to attend Virginia Union College in Richmond, Virginia. While attending a football game in 1954, she met and married the love of her life Richard Leonard Kennedy Sr. From this union three children were born Richard Leonard Kennedy Jr., Matthew Albert Kennedy and Stacey Paige Kennedy. While raising her children was her greatest joy, she found time to help her husband manage and develop Kennedy's Construction Co. Once the company was fully established and no longer needed her assistance, Jessie embraced community and civic involvement. She became a strong supporter of the democratic party under the tutelage of Arthur T. Barbiera, a passion that remained with her until her passing. She was a member of the Cameo Club, the Trinity Temple Church Of God In Christ Inc. Choir and an avid sports activist especially football and basketball. Although she would watch any game her favorite team was playing. Jessie also enjoyed cooking, watching jeopardy, the judge, shopping, playing cards with her brother Carl, eating and spoiling her grandchildren. Jessie held several jobs throughout her life time but she especially enjoyed working at Teletrack and Connecticut Lottery where she retired. Family was always very important. Her home was a safe haven for many friends and family members, often staying for weeks, months and years. In 1984 Jessie reconnected with her Church Of God In Christ Inc. roots and joined Rehoboth Church Of God In Christ Inc. in Bridgeport, Connecticut and received salvation under the leadership of Bishop Augustus D. Pullen. Once joining she became a very active member and supported the ministry in any way she could. Her membership at the church was something that she was very proud of and often boasted about. She leaves to cherish her memory, sons, Richard Leonard Kennedy Jr. (Sharon), Matthew Albert Kennedy (Jennifer) and daughter Stacey Paige Kennedy. Grandchildren, Dominique Elise Kennedy, Richard Leonard Kennedy III, Bianca Danielle Kennedy, Benjamin Matthew Kennedy, Shashona Hemmings. Great grandchildren Jair A. Mathis, Jonathan Craig Jr. Siblings, Evangelist Martha Lee Everson, Evangelist Rubye Marie Pullen-Daniels (Dennis) and Bishop Augustus David Pullen (Michele). She was predeceased by her husband Richard Leonard Kennedy Sr. Brothers, Augustus D. Tumer, Clint O. Turner, Samuel L. Turner, Joseph N. Turner, Calvin H. Turner, Abner E. Turner, Sisters, Ruby D. Pullen, Elizabeth Macklin, Eunice Lane, Ruth Turner, Roberta Tumer, Beulah Codrington, Jimmie A. Reynolds. Brother-in laws Roger W. Everson Sr. and Serge Reynolds. Grandson, Timothy Jonathan Mathis. Nieces that she and her husband raised Carla Heatley and Vicky Turner. She will truly be missed by a host of cousins, nieces, nephews and friends

Jessie M. Kennedy

May 6, 1934 - December 7, 2022