Joann Gilmer Kennedy, age 90, died at home on March 06, 2021. Ms. Kennedy (Jo) was born on September 18, 1930 in Elmhurst, Illinois. As a teenager she moved with her family to Long Beach, Mississippi. Jo was first and foremost a wife and mother, though in later years she had several jobs. She served as a dorm-mother at a sorority house in Boulder, Colorado (where she went on to graduate with a double major, at the age of 58, from the University of Colorado), as a cook for a family in Southern California, Development Coordinator for Mobile College in Nicaragua, served as fund-raiser at Coast Episcopal School, and as Director of Cheshire Homes.
She was a founding member of The Nourishing Place and served on its first Board of Trustees, as well as major chef for the Sunday morning breakfasts. Jo was an avid reader, often correcting spelling and grammar as a hobby. She was well-traveled, having lived in London, Harvard Massachusetts, Georgia, Florida, Peru, California, Colorado, and then became permanent resident of Gulfport, Mississippi.
Jo wanted to be remembered as a loving mother, grandmother, and friend as well as a spectacular cook. She was all of that. Jo cherished her time with her family of five children.
Jo was preceded in death by two sons, James Greg Gilmer Kennedy and Bruce Todd Gilmer Kennedy; and a brother, Darby Bates Gilmer of Palm Springs, CA. Recently her older sister Mary Alice Vigneault of West Virginia passed away.
Survivors include her three children: Darby Mark Gilmer Kennedy who devoted his life to being her caretaker for the last 7+ years of her life, Dr. Edwin Jeff Gilmer Kennedy (Beth), and Missy Mara Gilmer Kennedy Allen; grandchildren: Grace Gilmer Kennedy Allen Gauci (Joey), Andrew Mattison Kennedy Allen (Carmen), Darby James Kennedy Allen, Molly Elizabeth Kennedy, Mary Lee Kennedy Lewis (David), Katie Kennedy Denny (Matt), and William Greg Kennedy; two loving nieces, Mrs. Marcia Vigneault Litton (Arthur) and Dr. Michele Vigneault McNeill (Douglas); two nephews: Edwin Lyle Kennedy (Chris) and David Kennedy; and two great-nephews: Clint Litton (Nena) and Andrew Litton (Isa), and her little brother by marriage, Dr. William "Bill" Ross Kennedy (Susan) and his two sons, Ross and Connor. There will be a private family service at the Long Beach Municipal Cemetery.
The family invites friends, previous co-workers, and church members to attend a memorial gathering on Saturday, May 22, 2021, from 12:00 noon until 2:00 P.M. at the Allen Beverages Company (The Pepsi Plant) at 13300 Dedeaux Road, Gulfport, to share memories, friendships, and to give loving support to Jo's family and friends who miss her, and always will.
The family acknowledges and appreciates the loving care given to Jo by Rhoshanda Bradley, Joan Snyder, and Home Health nurses.
RIEMANN FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, Gulfport, is serving the family. An online obituary may be viewed and memories shared at www.riemannfamily.com
Saturday, May 22, 2021
Starts at 12:00 pm (Central time)
Allen Beverages Company (Dedeaux Road, Gulfport)
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