Marlene Freehoff Kennedy

Marlene Freehoff Kennedy, born in Boston MA, and a resident of Gulfport, MS, passed away Saturday, April 8, 2023, at the age of 88.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Bobby D. Kennedy, parents, Benjamin Freehoff and Rebecca Zurman Freehoff; son, Jamie Kennedy; and great grandson, Atlas Taylor.

Marlene is survived by her sons, Pastor Donald Kennedy (Jackie), Bobby W.  Kennedy (Christina) and Kenneth Craig Kennedy (Debbie); 7 grandchildren and 19 great grandchildren.

Marlene lived the life of a Navy wife living and raising a family in Boston, Massachusetts; Bremerton, Washington; Pascagoula, Mississippi; and Bay St, Louis, Mississippi. After her husband Bobby left the Naval service and the ship building industry, he was ordained into the Gospel ministry and she served faithfully as a pastors wife until 2021 when her husband of 65 years went to Heaven. She was known as Mrs. Marlene to so many people that would come to her for advice, prayer, or just to sit and chat with. She was honored to be a faithful member of Faith Baptist Church in Gulfport and loved her Pastor and his wife, Pastor Dan and Mickey Carr. The names she loved being called more than any other though were Mom and Granny. She cherished her 4 boys, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

In April 1979, Marlene’s heart was changed forever when her youngest son Jamie died suddenly at the age of 15. Ever since that Easter weekend day, her heart looked toward Heaven. In January 2021, when her husband passed away, her heart looked forward even more to Heaven. On Saturday, April 8th, Marlene experienced the family reunion she longed for years to have. All this was possible because in 1957 she trusted in Christ as her Savior and the Gospel became real in her life. That same Gospel is what she lived, believed, and shared with many people until the day she saw Jesus face to face.

Visitation will be held Wednesday, April 12, 2023, at Faith Baptist Church, 8467 Canal Road, Gulfport, MS 39503, from 10:00am until funeral service at 11:00am.  Burial will follow at Gardens of Memory Cemetery in Bay St. Louis, MS

The Riemann Family Funeral Home, Gulfport, MS, is serving the family and online condolences may be offered at www.riemannfamily.com