Wilhelmina Kennedy

Wilhelmina Barber was born on May 11, 1933, in Cherryville, North Carolina to the late Loviete Barber and Plummer Giles. At the age of 13, she moved to Buffalo, New York, where she attended Buffalo Public School #75.

In 1953, Wilhelmina met and married Vernel C. Kennedy and from this union, they were blessed with two daughters: Carolyn Kennedy, and Marcy Y. Kennedy-Johnson. Wilhelmina dedicated her life to caring for her home and family, working tirelessly to provide love, stability, and support.

Her spiritual journey began at the age of 12, when she gave her life to Christ at First Shiloh Baptist Church, under the leadership of Reverend Elijah J. Echols Sr. After many years of faithful service there, she became one of the founding members of Free Spirit Missionary Baptist Church, now known as Cold Spring Free Spirit Church under the leadership of Pastor DaJuan Brown. Within the church, Wilhelmina served in numerous capacities, including on the Mother Board, as a trustee, choir member, and Sunday School teacher. Always willing to go above and beyond no matter what the task at hand was. Wilhelmina was there to work. She loved to help and mentor the children in the church as well as in the community. She was a loving and caring woman who would feed anyone in need. Wilhelmina's life was a testament to her faith, love, and devotion. She will be remembered for her kind spirit, her unwavering dedication to her loved ones, and her lifelong service to the Lord.

She is preceded in death by her parents: Loviete Barber and Plummer Giles; her husband Vernel C. Kennedy; her siblings: Francis Jones, Bertha Smith, Loviete Barber Jr. and Edward Barber; and granddaughter Brionna N. Johnson.

Wilhelmina leaves to cherish her memory, her children: Marcy Y. Kennedy-Johnson and Carolyn Kennedy; her grandchildren: Larry Johnson Jr., Christopher L. Brown, Sharrone M. Johnson, and Treyvon V. Johnson; her great-grandchildren: Angelo M. Rodriguez-Johnson, Larry Johnson III, Cameron I. Johnson, Amaya M.R. Santiago, Khi' von K. Johnson, Jacieon C. Brown, and Christian E. Brown; and her great-great-grandchildren: Noah C. Lester and Carson R. Tate; special friends: Pastor DaJuan Brown, Mrs. Ethel Cole, Mrs. Gwendolyn Fryer, and Mrs. Alfear Turley; and a host of nieces, nephews and church family.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Wilhelmina Kennedy, please visit our floral store.