"Deb, Chris and families, hugs, prayers and love for the loss of your sweet momma! I loved your mom so much. We were co-riders. to and from Keystone for years. She was a wonderful person to say the very least! She was always upbeat, warm and caring. My kids loved her also. After dropping her off after work one evening, my daughter asked why she was a different color than us. I tried to explain melanin, temperatures, coming from hot areas, etc. Tami was 3 or 4. I was so afraid then in the 60?s that she would say something wrong to your mom. Today, it would be easier! I know your mom wouldn?t have minded her asking questions but I was young too and would have been mortified if Tami had hurt her feelings. Funny memory now tho. I don?t think I ever told her. Your mom welcomed us into Mt Carmel church along with others. I will miss her and our memories!! Hugs and love to all of you!! ????"
In loving memory of
Beatrice "Bea" Mae Kennedy
June 1, 1932 - April 12, 2021
Beatrice "Bea" Mae Kennedy
Canton - Beatrice "Bea" Mae Kennedy, 88, of Canton, passed away Monday, April 12, 2021.She was born on June 1, 1932, in Canton, to Rev. C.L. and Carolyn ("Carrie" Maupin) Coleman. Bea graduated from Canton High School in 1950 and was a member of the National Honor Society. She attended Brown Secretarial College in Peoria and worked as a secretary and office administrator at International Harvester Corporation, the Peoria Housing Authority, and lastly Keystone Steel and Wire, from where she retired. Bea was a member of Mt. Carmel Baptist Church, where she served as pianist for many years. She also played at Canton High School for programs and musicals. Bea will be fondly remembered by family and friends as a devoted mother and someone whose life reflected her love for the Lord. She was thoughtful, kind, and always saw the best in others. Bea is survived by her daughter, Deborah Kennedy; her son, Chris Kennedy; two grandchildren; Richie Kennedy and Kari Kennedy; and her former husband, Richard P. Kennedy. She was predeceased by her parents, her son Ronald, and her brother, Roy Coleman. A visitation will be held on Thursday, April 22, 2021, from 5-7 p.m. at Oaks-Hines Funeral Home and Crematory in Canton, with funeral service to be held on Friday, April 23, 2021, at 11 a.m. at the funeral home. Burial will be held at the Greenwood Cemetery in Canton. In lieu of flowers, please make memorials to the American Heart Association. To leave online condolences, please visit www.oakshinesfuneralhome.com
Tributes
"So very sorry for your loss! I remember your mom well! She was such a wonderful woman. Prayers for you family! Todd and Marsha (Plunk) Miller"
"I was saddened to learn of Bea?s passing. I have so many good memories of her riding back and forth to her work. She was a beautiful knitter. I was amazed at her talent. I only knew Debbie but I heard lots of stories her brothers as well. Debbie, my deepest condolences to you. I am unsure where you are now but I am in Florida/Peoria. "
"Debbie and Chris, So sorry for your loss. I have driven by your family home many times and thought of you all. May God bring you comfort and peace. Prayers for your family. Sincerely, Annette (Mulligan) Reith and Greg Reith"
"My condolences to all who knew and loved Ms. Kennedy. While I never had the privilege of meeting her, I have no doubt she was a wonderful woman, as well as a devoted mother and grandmother. Knowing and witnessing her son Chris?s commitment to social justice and his fierce loyalty to his family and friends is a testament to Ms. Kennedy?s legacy. I also had the privilege of meeting her granddaughter Kari. Having seen Kari?s smile, I know what other commenters mean when they write about Ms. Bea?s ?sweet smile?. May Ms. Kennedy rest in her well-earned peace in the presence of her Lord! Chris Herrling "
"Debbie and Chris so sorry for the loss of your very special mom she was an amazing woman many good memories love y?all prayers it?s so hard loosing our moms"
"Condolences to all. Bea was a remarkable woman. RIP beautiful woman"
"I am so very sorry to learn of Mrs. Kennedy's passing on. My deepest sympathy to the family and friends of the family. I met Bea ten years ago through her son, Chris, and it was my pleasure to spend time with her. My prayers to you! - Joseph McCue "
"I always loved hearing Bea play the piano! Her talent was rare and precious! My deepest sympathy to the family. -Bethany (Nebergall) Wenger"
"I am sorry for the family's loss. It has been many years since I saw Bea, but I remember her from Mount Carmel church. I was only in my early 20's back then in 1985 and 1986. Bea was the sweetest lady because she always made it a point to make everyone feel welcomed at church. She didn't care what background and what you looked like, she would always made you feel welcomed. She played the piano at church too. What I remember most was her sweet smile that she greeted you with. Really liked Bea even though I didn't know her well, but she left an impression because of how sweet she was. My condolences to her family and friends."
"My prayers to the family. Now Bea is in the presence of Jesus. I have fond memories when we worked at Keystone."
"My heartfelt sympathy and prayers to the family, May fond memories and God?s loving words carry you through and beyond this difficult time of mourning. Isaiah 57:15"
"So sorry for the loss of Ms. Kennedy. Prayers to the family. "
"Condolences to the family she was a great lady"
"To the Kennedy Family, My deepest and most sincere condolences on the loss of your Mother. I have such good memories of her from when I was young. . She was a wonderful Lady! "