Deborah Kennedy

IN LOVING MEMORY OF DEBORAH KENNEDY December 24, 1934 – January 18, 2023 Deborah Rachel Kennedy was born on December 24,1934 in Youngstown, Ohio to the late Walter C. Wilber and Roberta Trice Wilber. She was affectionately known as “Debbie” or “Mother Kennedy.” She made her triumphant transition to glory on January 18, 2023, with her eyes looking toward Heaven, just a few short days after her 88th birthday. Assuredly, the angels in heaven rejoiced at her arrival, as she joined them to further celebrate. Deborah had many interests. Her interest included knitting, sewing, and cooking. However, her greatest interest was serving the Lord. Deborah attended and graduated from Central High School followed by AENON Bible College, both located in Columbus, Ohio. After relocating to New York, Deborah continued her education by earning her bachelor’s degree from Queens College. Professionally, she served the community of Brooklyn as a Case Worker with the New York City Department of Social Services and was blessed to retire after 30 years of dedicated service. After retirement Deborah was completely devoted to the ministry full time. While serving at Bibleway Church of God, she met and married the late Elder John Walter Kennedy. Deborah remained faithfully married to John for 25 years until his death on Valentine’s Day February 14, 1997. From this union a son was born, Rodney Kennedy. The devoted couple later attended and were active members of House of David Pentecostal Church under the wise leadership of Bishop W.M. Graham. There John served as an associate minister, and Deborah served as a Missionary, Usher, and Sunday School Teacher. Several years later a new church, True Praise Church of God was birthed from that ministry. It was True Praise under the leadership of Elder Reginald S. Boyce Sr that her husband John served as the Assistant Pastor and Deborah served as a Sunday school teacher as well as a church mother before ultimately going on to pastor her own church. Deborah is preceded in death by both parents, Pastor Walter C. and Roberta Trice Wilber, husband John Walter Kennedy, sisters Naomi Ivory (Alphonso), Marie Lindsey (Bernard), Hannah Johnson (Charles), Edith Louise Porter, Doris McGee (Richard), and brothers John Wilber and James Wilber. Deborah is survived by her son Rodney and daughter-in-law Shakama Cofield-Kennedy, as well as Kevin Michael Kennedy and Wanda Kennedy Marcelle. Grandchildren Justin Breeden (Naomi), Christion Kennedy, Cameren Kennedy, Jayme Kennedy, Brandon Kennedy, Alexis Marcelle, one sister Ruth Williams, and a host of nieces and nephews of varying generations throughout New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Tennessee, Atlanta, Los Angeles, and Alabama. We Praise God for the Life of our beloved Deborah Kennedy, and for her being a continual Godly example to all of us. In our lives there will never be another “Aunt Debbie”, “Mother Kennedy”, “Grandma Kennedy”, or “Mom” like her. Even in this we are comforted in knowing where she is, and knowing she is with her Lord & Savior Jesus Christ. It is with this assurance we confidently and affectionately practice what she always taught and instilled in us. That is 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18. Rejoice ever more. Pray without ceasing. In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. Humbly Submitted: The Family On Sunday February 5th a visitation will be held from 5:30PM - 7:30PM followed by a Funeral Service from 7:30PM - 10:00PM at the House of David Worship Center 747 Hendrix Street Brooklyn, NY 11207. On Monday February 6th a Service will be held from 10:00AM - 11:00AM at the Roslyn Heights Funeral Home interment will follow at St. Charles Cemetery Farmingdale, NY.