Mrs. Herlene G. Kennedy Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Herlene Gaither Kennedy peacefully departed this earthly life on April 17, 2022, at AVOW Hospice, Naples, Florida. Herlene was born in Harmony, NC on November 7, 1926. She was the only child to Roger and Mae Otis Carson Gaither. She grew up surrounded by aunts, uncles and cousins who affectionately gave her the nickname “Champ”. Herlene was raised in Harmony and received Christ at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church in Hamptonville, NC. In 1946, Herlene moved to Washington, DC and resided in the home of Mrs. Sadie Powell, “Aunt Sadie”, on 13th Street, NW. It was there that she saw a picture of Aunt Sadie’s nephew, World War ll veteran Alfred Kennedy, Jr., in his uniform and declared “That’s the man I’m going to marry.” Alfred and Herlene were joined together in matrimony on October 4, 1947 and had three children. They were happily married until Alfred passed away March 29, 1985. Herlene obtained her cosmetology license when she first arrived in DC. After working as a beautician she worked as an employee at the US Census Bureau and ultimately settled on a long career at the Central Intelligence Agency where she worked as a Logistics Officer for 33 years. She was known for her expertise but also for her engaging personality. Many of her colleagues became life-long friends with some reaching out consistently over the years with long hand-written letters and cards. Post retirement, Herlene enjoyed a few years working for the Environmental Protection Agency before finally settling into retirement. Retirement brought an active life of early morning walks with her walking buddy, Mozelle Little, regular annual cruises, day trips to the casino with her daughters, gardening and organizing her family pictures and mementos. Baking was one of the many talents Herlene possessed. From pound cakes and biscuits to macaroni salad and fried chicken. For some, even her iced tea was the best. Everyone has a favorite Herlene Kennedy dish and a story to go along with it. Everyone who walked in the door asked “Is there any cake?” Herlene was a member of Antioch Baptist Church until deciding to join Mt. Horeb Baptist Church where she remained until her passing. She was also active in her community and was well-versed in local and world politics. She was a member of the civic association, a Girl Scout troop leader, a member of the Payne Elementary School parent association and a founding member of the Hill East Community Garden. Herlene leaves to cherish her memory; daughters Janice Kennedy (Charles Ezelle), Cathy Somers Chandler (Billy - deceased), son, William Kennedy (Susan); grandchildren Kimberly Kennedy, Tracey Somers (deceased), Reginald Somers, Jr. (Joann), Kenneth Kennedy (Kimberly), Kevin White (Andrezza), William Kennedy (Amy Imbeau); great-grandchildren Reginald Somers, III, Zaine Somers, Christopher Salmon, Aysia and Cameron Kennedy; God-son, Keith Lewis and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. Special loved ones Joyce Ricks Dennis, Brenda Weaver, DiAnn Winford and Sunita Payne.

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Mrs. Herlene G. Kennedy

November 7, 1926 - April 17, 2022