Mary Frances Clark Kennedy, age 78, and passed away on July 27, 2023, at her home in Louisville, Mississippi.
Mary was born in Winston County on February 3, 1945, to Burgess Lee and Lovie Sharp Clark. The youngest of four girls, she grew up surrounded by family on what was known as “Clark Hill”. She always looked up to her older sisters, they were truly best friends. She lived her life as a Christian believer always helping and caring for others. She was a member of Poplar Flat Baptist Church.
In high school, on a date...Mary met her true love, Franklin Kennedy. Although she didn’t realize it at that time, Franklin was there. It happened to be a “double date” and she was on that date with Franklin’s friend. They quickly realized their interest for each other. Married in 1963, Franklin has been by her side ever since. They recently celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary this past June.
Family was everything to Mary. She was a devoted mother to three children, Steve, Andy and Julie. One of her greatest joys was being “Mimi” to her six grandchildren. She was the biggest cheerleader to her children and grandchildren and influenced the lives of many other young people in the area that she taught in school.
Mary lived her entire life in Louisville, MS and was a retail business owner and active community volunteer. She owned Margie’s clothing store downtown for many years and taught school at Fair Elementary for 24 years before retiring. Over the years, she travelled throughout the South supporting her family’s activities and sporting events. She was a fixture at UAB and Ole Miss basketball games for many years.
Mary is survived by her husband, James Franklin Kennedy of Louisville, MS. Her sons, Steve and wife, Juanita of Ridgeland, MS, Andy and wife, Kimber of Birmingham, AL and daughter, Julie Scalfaro and husband, Frank of Tampa, FL. Her six grandchildren: Keely Kennedy, Meagan Kennedy, Keaton Kennedy, Kaitlyn Kennedy, Caroline Scalfaro & Cash Scalfaro.
Mary was preceded in death by her parents and three sisters, Marjorie Taylor, Jean Russell and Nancy Clark.
Serving as pallbearers are Dell Coward, Ronnie Rushton, Norman White, Michael Alex Hodges, Heath Dyer and Trace Dyer.
Visitation will be Sunday, July 30, 2023 at 2:00 at Poplar Flat Baptist Church in Louisville. Funeral services will follow at 3:00 with Rev. Mike Childs and Rev. Doug Wise officiating. Interment will follow in Poplar Flat Baptist Church Cemetery.
Contributions in Mary’s name may be made to American Cancer Society online at cancer.org/donate or the Poplar Flat Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, P. O. Box 684, Louisville, MS 39339.
Services are under the direction of Nowell Massey Funeral Home, 724 North Columbus Avenue, Louisville, MS. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family by signing the guest register at www.nowellmasseyfuneralhome.com.
