Published: October 10, 2009 06:05 pm      

Louise J. Kenney and Johnnie A. Kenney

CHRISTMAS, Fla. — Isaiah 60:1: Arise, Shine; For your light has come! And the glory of the Lord is risen upon you.

Louise Jackson Kenney, 86, of Christmas, Fla., passed away on September 30, 2009 in a Titusville, Fla. hospital. Her husband, Johnnie A. Kenney, 82, preceded her in death on May 30, 2009 in a Titusville, Fla. hospital after a short illness. They were together for over 50 years, celebrating their anniversaries on July 19.

After living in the Pennsylvania and New Jersey area, were Johnnie worked for General Electric and Louise was employed by Curtis Publishing Co., he was transferred to the Waynesboro, Va. plant. There they lived in Stuarts Draft, Va. where Louise was a caretaker in her home for children with working moms and dads. She visited and volunteered at nursing homes and did in-home care for the elderly. She easily made friends wherever life took her.

After Johnnie retired they moved to Christmas, Fla. where they attended Pine Grove Baptist Church. They continued to be a “friend in need” for others and likewise had friends when needed. Both Louise and Johnnie will be missed by their many acquaintances and extended family.

Louise was formally of Yards, Va., born on October 24, 1923 to the late Joseph S. and Daisy A. Jackson. In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by an infant son, one great-grandson, three brothers, and two sisters, and a special elderly lady known as “Miss Virginia” who was the last friend she was able to take care of.

She is survived by one son, James K. Clendenen and wife Mary of Orlando, Fla.; granddaughters, Denise Perez and husband Michael of Fairfax, Va. and Debbie Jones of Hot Springs, Ark.; a grandson, James K. Clendenen, Jr. of Orlando, Fla.; and five great-grandchildren. Also surviving are brothers, Joe “Jack” Jackson and wife Carolyn of Winchester, Va., Fred Jackson and wife Grace of Augusta, Va., Kenneth Jackson and wife Carol of Yards, Va., and Richard L. Jackson of Buchanan, Va.; sisters, Iris Parton and husband Wallace of Abbs Valley, Va., Peggy Farmer and husband Claude of Falls Mills, Va., Dolly Sherman, Yards, Va., Gaye Eades and husband Norman of Goodview, Va.; and several nieces and nephews. She loved each and every relative, friend and neighbor, and they knew it.

Johnnie was born in the Pocahontas, Va. area on March 18, 1927 to the late Andrew and Nellie Davidson Kenney. He is also preceded in death by two brothers and one sister.

Survivors are sisters, Violet Edwards of Bassett, Va., Pauline Mitchell of Honaker, Va. and Stella E. Williams of Abbs Valley, Va.

Also surviving Louise and Johnnie are special neighbors, Flo Dudley, a dedicated friend, devotedly supporting her in every was, and her husband Bob who was Johnnie’s fishing and shrimping buddy.

Private services for Mr. and Mrs. Kenney were held in Florida. North Brevard Funeral Home of Titusville, Fla. served the Kenney family.

Information submitted by Dudley Memorial Mortuary in Bluefield, Va.

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