ida mosley kennedy
1903-2012
Life Story
Laid to Rest: Evans Cemetery, Newton County, Mississippi
Ida Mosley Kennedy was born on January 5, 1903, in Newton County, Mississippi, to Sherrod Mosley (1860–Aft. 1940) and Nancy Jane Evans (1868–?), two early residents of the tight-knit Altare and Newton County farming communities. Born at the turn of a new century, Ida would live through 109 years of American history—an extraordinary life that spanned six generations, two world wars, the Great Migration, the civil rights movement, and the dawn of the digital age.
Early Life and Family Heritage
Ida was raised in a rural farming household, descended from the Evans and Mosley families—two of the foundational African American lineages of eastern Newton County. Like most children of her generation, she grew up working the land and helping her family sustain their farm. Her upbringing in fields, gardens, and small community farms shaped her lifelong strength, independence, and resilience.
Work and Community Life
According to the federal census, from a young age, Ida worked as a farmhand, laboring in the same fields as generations before her. She also served in a private home as a maid, as according to her granddaughter. Her strong work ethic, reliability, and dedication became hallmarks of her character. She worked for many local families and farms across Newton County, often remembered for her kindness, her soft-spoken wisdom, and her unwavering sense of responsibility.
Even into her later years, family recalled that she preferred to care for herself, tend to her home, and stay active. Her mind remained sharp and her memory vibrant—she could recall the details of Newton County’s earliest schools, churches, and community shifts with remarkable accuracy.
Marriage and Family
Sometime after 1940, Ida Mae married Simon Kennedy (1890–1984), a farmer of Jasper and Newton counties. Their union created a blended and dearly loved family, and together they raised two daughters:
- Annette Kennedy Catchings (1941–2022)
- Ruby N. Harris of Gary, Indiana
Ida was also cherished by grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, and a large extended family that spanned Mississippi, Indiana, Georgia, and North Carolina.
A Beloved Matriarch
Ida Kennedy became known as one of the oldest citizens of Newton County and was often honored publicly. Newspaper articles celebrated her milestone birthdays—her 100th, 103rd, and other anniversaries—showing the affectionate support of her children, grandchildren, church family, and community.
She was recognized as the oldest active member of Altare Missionary Baptist Church, where she was respected as a church mother and a symbol of faith, perseverance, and community memory.
Visitors frequently surrounded her—family coming from across the country, choirs singing for her, and community members stopping by to hear her stories. She was known for having a joyful spirit, a warm laugh, and a genuine love for worship.
Even in her centenarian years, she loved going to church, visiting with loved ones, and hearing songs of praise. Her long life became a living link to Newton County’s African American past.
Final Years and Legacy
Ida Mosley Kennedy passed away peacefully on January 21, 2012, at the age of 109—a monumental lifespan that few achieve. She was laid to rest at the Evans Cemetery, surrounded by generations of her family.
Her legacy is one of endurance, faith, hard work, and devotion to family. She witnessed more than a century of change, yet she remained constant in her values and her love for those around her.
Those who knew her remember:
- her sharp memory,
- her gentle nature,
- her independence,
- her deep faith,
- and her remarkable ability to bring people together.
Ida Mosley Kennedy stands as a pillar in the history of the Mosley, Evans, and Kennedy families—an anchor whose life continues to inspire all who trace their roots back to her.
Resting Place
Photos/Albums
Sources
- 1910 Federal Census
- 1920 Federal Census
- 1950 Federal Census
- The Newton Record, Simon Kennedy Obituary, Wed, Sep 26, 1984 ·Page 6
- U.S. Public Records Index, 1950-1993, Volume 1
- U.S., Find a Grave® Index, 1600s-Current
- U.S., Social Security Death Index, 1935-2014
- The Newton Record, Senior Citizen Honored, Wed, Dec 20, 2006 ·Page 23
- The Newton Record, Wed, Celebrates 103 Birthday, Dec 27, 2006 ·Page 20
- The Newton Record, Kennedy celebrates 100th Birthday, Wed, Dec 07, 2005 ·Page 7
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