THELMA KENNEDY

SIKESTON -- Thelma Leona Kennedy, 83, of Sells Rest Home at Matthews and formerly of Sikeston, died Wednesday, April 17, 1996, at Missouri Delta Medical Center.

She was born Dec. 25, 1912, in Pocahontas, Tenn., daughter of George Pank and Ollie Doles Gates. She and Willie V. Kennedy were married Aug. 28, 1933, in Ripley, Miss. He died Jan. 4, 1990.

Kennedy was a member of Apostolic Pentecostal Church in Essex.

Survivors include five sons, George and Noah Kennedy of Sikeston, Raymond Kennedy of Morehouse, Martin Kennedy of Poplar Bluff, Marshall Kennedy of Canalou; three daughters, Ollie Pannell of Ripley, Nora Williams of Lonoke, Ark., Patsy Harris of Sikeston; three brothers, Grover Gates of Ripley, Casey Gates of New Madrid, James Gates of Randolph, Miss.; a sister, Mary Armstrong of Allegan, Mich.; 35 grandchildren, and 41 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by a son, daughter and three brothers.

Friends may call at Nunnelee Funeral Chapel from 5-8 p.m. today.

Funeral service will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at the chapel, with the Revs. Frank Breeden and Terry Shands officiating. Burial will be in Garden of Memories Cemetery.