Vernell Wallace Kennedy
October 9, 1935 ~ November 21, 2024
Sarah Vernell “Nell” Wallace Kennedy, 89, went to be with Jesus on Thursday, November 21, 2024, at Terra Bella, Southern Pines.
Nell was a loving wife, mother, sister, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She had a heart full of love for her family and a deep devotion to the Lord. Nell cherished singing the old hymns of the faith and could often be found lifting her voice in praise. Her greatest joy was spending time with her loved ones, creating memories, and offering support and encouragement. Nell was passionate about travel, having explored many U.S. states and venturing abroad to Italy, Scotland, and Germany.
A retired secretary from Robbins Elementary School, Nell was known for her kind heart and nurturing spirit, becoming a second mother to many of the children she worked with over the years.
Nell was preceded in death by her parents, William Howard Taft Wallace and Thelma Williams Wallace; her beloved husband of 61 years, Harold “Lloyd” Kennedy; and her son-in-law, James D. Garner Jr.
She is survived by her daughters, Deborah Garner and Karen Phillips (Butch); grandchildren, Matthew Garner (Tracy), Jonathan Phillips (Kathryn), Mitchell Garner, and Justin Phillips (Dani); great-grandchildren, Mason, Will, Logan, Nash, Colton, Avery, Myles, Sadie, Quinn, Nora, Reese, and Ella. She also leaves behind her brothers, William Harold Wallace (Shirley), Ricky Wallace (Vickie), and sister Becky Wallace Gilmore (Sammy). And many nieces and nephews
Nell’s love for her family, especially her daughters, her faith, and her bright spirit will forever be cherished in the hearts of those who knew her. She will be deeply missed, but her legacy of kindness, love, and faith will continue to live on in the lives of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
Nell’s life will be celebrated with a funeral service at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 27, 2024, at Flint Hill Baptist Church, where she was a devoted member since childhood. The service will be officiated by Kenneth McNeill, Doctor of Ministry, and Rev. Zachary Garner. A public viewing will be held from 1:00 p.m. to 1:45 p.m. in the church sanctuary, with the family receiving friends in the fellowship hall following the service and interment.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests you to spread Nell’s love and kindness with the charity of your choice in her honor.
Condolences on line at pinesfunerals.com
Kennedy Funeral Home is serving the Kennedy Family.
Services
Funeral Service: November 27, 2024 2:00 pm
Flint Hill Baptist Church
923 Flint Hill Church Road
Robbins, NC 27325
My heart is broken for loss of your dear sweet mother. She was my favorite aunt! She had a smile and laugh that was so sweet and sincere. She will be greatly missed. Rejoice that she is reunited with Uncle Lloyd and together they are singing praises to The Lord in their new bodies, free from pain.
Love ,
Lisa and Stevie
Paul and Linda Horner
💛Love and prayers💛
Deborah, Karen and family. Kim and I are grieved for you all in your loss of Mrs. Kennedy. A kind, friendly lady devoted to her family. May God cradle you all in His loving arms in your grief and in the days to come. We love you. Kim and Bruce Williams
Vernell and Lloyd were a second mother and father to a lot of us that grew up in Flint Hill Baptist Church. She will always be remembered by us, especially my family. Our thoughts and prayers will be with you Kay and Deb.
Love and prayers to her family.
One of the most kind and Godly woman I’ve ever met. Proud to call her sister-n-law.
Pam Hussey