Shirley Jean (Thomas) Kennedy

Shirley Jean Thomas Kennedy, 81 of Kinston, passed away Monday, February 26, 2018 at UNC Lenoir Healthcare.   She was born November 21, 1936, Moore County, North Carolina.   She was the caretaker of the home and a devoted wife, mother and grandmother.  
 
Shirley was a caring person who had a passion for traveling.  She deeply loved her sons and was always ready to travel to see them.   She especially treasured the time spent with her grandchildren taking them shopping on special occasions.  Shirley had several very special friends, and her memory will be cherished forever. 
She is preceded in death by her husband, Berry Carroll Kennedy, Sr.; her parents, Charles Seabolt Thomas and Annie Edna Blue Brandon; her brother, Charles Ray Thomas.
 
Survivors include her sons Berry Carroll Kennedy, Jr. and Crystal, of Kinston, NC; Edward (Eddie) Sherrill Thomas and wife Jenny, of West End, NC; grandchildren, Cassidy Blue Kennedy, MaKayla Carroll Kennedy, Emma Grace Kennedy, Larry Christopher Taylor, Jr. of Kinston, NC, Angela Mechelle Thomas of Raleigh, NC, Amber Thomas Stempien and husband Dr. John Stempien of Idaho Falls, Idaho. Patrick Landry Kipfmiller and wife Niki of  Drumnadrochit Scotland, Joshua David Kipfmiller of Winston Salem; great grandchildren  Berry Christopher Taylor, Melody Belle Taylor, Joni Lee Kipfmiller and Finlay Taylor Kipfmiller .
 
Visitation will be held at 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, February 28, 2018 at Howard-Carter Funeral Home.  Graveside service will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, March 1, 2018 at Pleasant Hill United Methodist Church cemetery in Jackson Springs, NC with Pastor Eugene Ussery officiating.
 
Family will be receiving friends at the home of Berry and Crystal Kennedy.