"John, I was certainly sorry to learn of Janice's death. She was a great gal and friend. She was even a distant cousin of my husband. You have been such a strong support for her and I know you are missing her. Love to you and her family."
In loving memory of
Janice K. Kennedy
June 12, 1939 - July 8, 2016
Janice Kidd Kennedy, age 77, of Knoxville, passed away on July 8, 2016 from complications of Alzheimers while under the care of hospice. She was a loving wife, mother and grandmother. A graduate of Young High School and East Tennessee State University, she lived for the past 30 plus years in South Knoxville where she taught piano to many South Knoxville children. Janice had a great love of music and was an accomplished pipe organist. She served as Dean of the Knoxville Chapter of the American Guild of Organists from 1991-1992. Her organist positions included Central United Methodist Church, Lake Hills Presbyterian Church, Magnolia Avenue United Methodist Church and Colonial Heights United Methodist church and she served as a substitute organist at many other Knoxville area churches. She was on the board of HABIT and as a member of Church Street UMC served on the Kay Center advisory board and as a Kay Center volunteer. Janice enjoyed her roses and traveling, but she especially loved her four beautiful granddaughters.
She was the daughter of the late Bud and Lillie Mae Kidd of Knoxville. Janice is survived by her husband Dr. John Kennedy; son, Thomas Gregory Heath and wife Lee, and three granddaughters, Emily Christene, Sarah Ann and Lauren Jeanette of Whitesburg, Georgia; daughter, Jeanette Nicole Snapp and husband Jack Tipton and granddaughter Elizabeth Elden of Loudon, Tennessee; two stepsons, Michael Elliott Kennedy of Atlanta, Georgia, James Martin Kennedy and wife Tammy of Sarasota, Florida.
She was loved by all and will be greatly missed. The family will Receive Friends at Church Street United Methodist Church on Saturday, September 3rd from 3-4 pm. The Celebration of Life will follow at 4 pm, with Rev. Barbara Clark and Rev. Jan Buxton-Wade officiating. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Concord Adult Day Enrichment Services (CADES) program at Concord United Methodist Church, 11020 Roane Drive, Knoxville, Tennessee 37934. Gentry Griffey Funeral Chapel is honored to serve the Kennedy family and invites you to view and sign their online guestbook below.
Tributes
"May Janice's family find comfort in many happy memories of the good times when she was at her best--and her "best" was always wonderful! Janice was talented, gracious, and beautiful inside and out. I always looked forward to her sweet smile and gentle charm. Now she lives in the peace of God's nearer Presence."
"We are very sorry about your loss We enjoyed having Janice while She was at Colonial Heights May the Lord comfort you / Sincerely David and Laura Brake"
"Dear John and Family, We are so sorry at the loss of your beloved Janice. We thank the Lord that we had a chance to see and share a meal with her and friends before leaving for California in June. We shall always remember her smiling face. John, you have been so good to her and we have admired your dedication. May God comfort and bless you and your family!"
"Truly a lovely lady. She was a great friend of my mother and that is how we met. We had great times over the years, especially New Years Eve. I remember she loved Christmas time. It was her favorite time of the year. She and I shared a love of beautiful music and hymns as words for our soul. John, you have been a blessing to her and it gives me comfort to know how you and Janice shared so much enjoyment in life. Thanks for the wonderful memories. Love to you and all of her family."
"We are so sorry for your loss, Bob. May she rest in peace."
"John, I'm sorry to hear that Janice died. My thoughts are with you."
"John, Greg, & Nicki, A beautiful tribute to a beautiful lady! I treasure the memories from our childhood! I'm so sorry for the pain of your loss. I know Janice is in a much better place & enjoying the company of loving friends & family! Love & prayers to you all!"
"I am so sorry to hear of Janice's passing. I remember meeting her when I was a young girl at a few family reunions. Anna Mae Coldwell Ogle-Ellis, my mother's cousin spoke of Janice and her children often. Your family are in my thoughts and prayers. May God bless you always."
"Janice was such a great role model. Always smiling and pleasant. She was a very caring and honest person. My prayers are with her and you Bob."
"Janice was one in a million. I remember her humor and love of adventure...especially rollercoasters. Some wonderful memories of times with her on family vacations to Hilton Head and other places. Rest in peace Janice; know how have touched countless lives and you will be on our shoulders forever."
"Our thoughts and prayers are with your family. Janice played at our wedding 47 years ago. She was a beautiful lady."
"Greg, I don't know if you will remember me, but I babysat with you when you were very young! I adored you and your mother and am saddened to hear of her death. She was beautiful in looks and spirit. I still live in Harriman and ALWAYS think of you when I pass the house where you lived. Peace be with you and your entire family. Mona Gardner Wright"
"A wonderful tribute to a lovely lady. I am blessed to have had Janice in my life and to have been a part of her family. I will miss her very much."
"I will always remember her warmth, generous hospitality, and sweet and spunky spirit. I loved watching John's eyes light up when he talked about her. One of the cutest couples I've ever known! Condolences to John and the entire family. Much love, Jerilyn and Bill and the kiddos"
"May she rest in peace, She was loved."