Official Obituary of
Ms. Mary Frances (Garlington) Kennedy
June 15, 1935 ~ October 25, 2024 (age 89) 89 Years Old
Mary Kennedy Obituary
Mary Frances "Frankie" Kennedy, born in Laurens, SC, on June 15, 1935, was the cherished daughter of the late Albert and Claudia Garlington. Known for her boundless love for children and family, Frankie opened her heart and home to many throughout her life.
In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her husband of 60 years, John Henry Kennedy; two sons, Christopher P. Kennedy and Ralph I. Kennedy; two brothers, Tyrone Garlington and Claude E. Garlington; and three sisters, Alberta C. Floyd, Wilhelmina Bates, and Lillie Mae Garlington.
Frankie is survived by her son, Reverend David E. (Janice) Kennedy; four daughters, Belinda K. (John) Grant, Pamela K. Barksdale, Jaquetta LaShea (Brandon) Edwards, and her baby girl, Tya Love Kennedy. She also leaves behind three brothers, James P. Garlington, Reverend Victor D. (Syvia) Garlington, and Walter (Carolyn) Jennings; her sister, Jacquelyn Garlington; 16 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
With a career spanning over 40 years, Frankie worked for Laurens Glass, Monsanto, Stewart Cap and Gown, and also served as a beloved community hair stylist. A former member of Springfield Baptist Church, she dedicated herself to the Helping Hand Committee and the Usher ministry. Most recently she was a member of New Beginning Missionary Baptist Church where she served on the Pastor's Aide Committee, clothing ministry, soup kitchen ministry, and the social action committee. She was the mother of the church until she became ill.
Frankie had an unselfish love for children and family. She enjoyed cooking, decorating her home, and was passionate about civil rights. Her unwavering faith, kindness, and generosity left a lasting impact on her family and community. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her husband of 60 years, John Henry Kennedy; two sons, Christopher P. Kennedy and Ralph I. Kennedy; two brothers, Tyrone Garlington and Claude E. Garlington; and three sisters, Alberta C. Floyd, Wilhelmina Bates, and Lillie Mae Garlington.
Frankie is survived by her son, Reverend David E. (Janice) Kennedy; four daughters, Belinda K. (John) Grant, Pamela K. Barksdale, Jaquetta LaShea (Brandon) Edwards, and her baby girl, Tya Love Kennedy. She also leaves behind three brothers, James P. Garlington, Reverend Victor D. (Syvia) Garlington, and Walter (Carolyn) Jennings; her sister, Jacquelyn Garlington; 16 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
With a career spanning over 40 years, Frankie worked for Laurens Glass, Monsanto, Stewart Cap and Gown, and also served as a beloved community hair stylist. A former member of Springfield Baptist Church, she dedicated herself to the Helping Hand Committee and the Usher ministry. Most recently she was a member of New Beginning Missionary Baptist Church where she served on the Pastor's Aide Committee, clothing ministry, soup kitchen ministry, and the social action committee. She was the mother of the church until she became ill.
Frankie had an unselfish love for children and family. She enjoyed cooking, decorating her home, and was passionate about civil rights. Her unwavering faith, kindness, and generosity left a lasting impact on her family and community. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Ms. Mary Frances (Garlington) Kennedy, please visit our floral store.
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