simon kennedy, sr.
1890-1984
Life Story
Patriarch • Farmer • Devoted Church Member • Newton & Jasper Counties
Early Life and Faith
Simon Kennedy was born in 1890 and spent his early years in the rural communities of east-central Mississippi. Although little is known about his childhood, it is clear that faith guided his life from a young age. He united with Bartholomew Missionary Baptist Church early on, establishing a foundation of spiritual commitment that continued throughout his lifetime.
Marriage to Lizia Kennedy and Family Life
Simon’s first marriage was to Lizia Kennedy, with whom he built a large and loving family. Together, they welcomed six children, each born during his years as a young farmer working to support his household:
- Vergie Kennedy (1913–?)
- Bethena Kennedy (1915–1981)
- Jimmie Kennedy (1917–?)
- Marcella Kennedy (1923–?)
- Myrtle Lee Kennedy (1926–1992)
- Simon Kennedy, Jr. (1926–1962)
Through this first union, Simon established deep family roots in Newton and Jasper Counties, raising his children during a time marked by agricultural labor, racial challenges, and strong community bonds.
Life as a Farmer in Jasper County
By the 1930s and 1940s, Simon was residing in Jasper County, Mississippi, where he continued his lifelong work as a farmer. Like many African American men of his generation, he relied on the land for survival—plowing fields, harvesting crops, and providing for his family through long days of hard labor.
His dedication to farming reflected both endurance and pride in the agricultural traditions of rural Mississippi.
Marriage to Ida Mae Kennedy and Later Children
Sometime after 1940, Simon married Ida Mosley Kennedy (1903–2012). This second marriage marked the beginning of a new chapter in his life, and from their union came two daughters:
- Ruby N. Harris
- Annette Kennedy Catchings (1941–2022)
Ida Mae remained his devoted partner through the latter decades of his life, and together they blended their families into a strong, intergenerational household.
Later Years, Legacy, and Passing
Simon Kennedy lived a long and impactful life, passing away at age 90 on September 17, 1984, at Rush Hospital in Newton. His memorial service was held at Bartholomew M.B. Church, officiated by Rev. I.C. Allen. He was laid to rest at Mt. Zion Cemetery.
At the time of his passing, his family had blossomed into a vast lineage—
47 grandchildren, 90 great-grandchildren, and 15 great-great-grandchildren—a testament to the enduring legacy he left behind.
Simon Kennedy is remembered not only as a father, husband, and farmer, but as the patriarch of a family whose roots run deep through Newton, Jasper, and beyond.
Pallbearers
Honorary Pallbearers
- His grandsons
Active Pallbearers
- Will Brown
- Artis Johnson
- James Johnson
- Eugene Brown
- Fred Johnson
- Henry J. Irby
Flower Bearers
- His granddaughters
SIDEBAR: Key Facts About Simon Kennedy
Birth & Early Life
- Born: 1890
- Joined Bartholomew Missionary Baptist Church early in life
Occupation
- Farmer, Newton and Jasper County, Mississippi
First Marriage: Lizia Kennedy
Children (6):
- Vergie Kennedy (1913–?)
- Bethena Kennedy (1915–1981)
- Jimmie Kennedy (1917–?)
- Marcella Kennedy (1923–?)
- Myrtle Lee Kennedy (1926–1992)
- Simon Kennedy, Jr. (1926–1962)
Second Marriage: Ida Mae Kennedy (1903–2012)
Children (2):
- Ruby N. Harris
- Annette Kennedy Catchings (1941–2022)
Siblings
- L.N. Kennedy
- Onie Kennedy
Death & Burial
- Died: September 17, 1984, Rush Hospital, Newton
- Funeral: Bartholomew M.B. Church
- Burial: Mt. Zion Cemetery
Resting Place
Photos/Albums
Sources
- 1920 Federal Census
- 1930 Federal Census
- 1940 Federal Census
- 1950 Federal Census
- U.S., Find A Grave Index, 1600s-Current
- The Newton Record, Wed, Sep 06, 1961 ·Page 8
- The Newton Record, Simon Kennedy Obituary, Wed, Sep 26, 1984 ·Page 6
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