Annie Murrell Kennedy

Annie Murrell Ealy Kennedy, age 86, passed away peacefully on April 22, 2026, at her home surrounded by her family. She was born on October 15, 1939, in Lena, MS, the first born of four girls to the late John Henry and Cora Lee Gilbert Ealy.

As a young girl, Annie was baptized and became a faithful member of Harmony MB Church in Lena, MS. Annie remained a faithful member even during her First Lady reins.

She was educated in the Ealy community and later attended Murphy High School in Walnut Grove, MS, graduating in 1958. Upon graduation, she attended Jackson State University and studied elementary education.

For more than 30 years, she served her community, parents and students as a devoted educator. In 1965, her adventurous spirit and passion for education led her to Middletown, New York where she worked at Crystal Run Camp for at-risk adolescents. Upon returning- to Mississippi in 1970, she began work at Mississippi School for the Blind in Jackson. There she developed strong bonds and lasting relationships that she held dear throughout her life. No matter how far she went, Leake County was always home. Through her persistent spirit and dedication, she served the Leake County School District at Lena Elementary, Carthage Elementary, South Leake Elementary and South Leake High School. Over the years, she touched countless students who were drawn to her love, kindness, expectations and guidance.

She retired from the Leake County School District in 2005.

Annie was known for her warm spirit, quick wit, and loving heart. She was funny, sweet, and incredibly creative, using her gifts as a talented seamstress and crocheter to bring beauty and comfort to those around her. Those qualities also shown in the way she treated her customers as she worked in the fabric department of Walmart for many years. She had a deep love for flowers and found joy in the simple things that made life meaningful.

A devoted woman of faith, Annie faithfully served alongside her husband as First Lady of multiple churches in Leake, Scott, Neshoba and Choctaw counties, touching countless lives through her kindness, wisdom, and servant's heart. She was leader of the Ladies Home Mission Group, Vacation Bible School Coordinator and organizer of numerous programs and special events.

Oftentimes, she would lift her voice and sing with "One Day at a Time" being one of her favorite songs.

Annie showed her love through acts of service—cooking meals, opening her home, and caring for others as if they were her own. Her home was a place of warmth, welcome, and unconditional love.

She was united in marriage to her beloved husband, Billie Kennedy, for 53 years, a partnership built on love, faith, and devotion to serving God and His people.

She was preceded in death by her parents; John Henry and Cora Lee Ealy, two sons, Billy Willaim (BW) Kennedy and Kentrell Jamal Kennedy; one sister; Dorothy E. Harris, two nephews; Kelcey Bernard Zollicoffer and Gus Wesley (Gee) Donald and one great-granddaughter Brailynn Janelle Reed.

She leaves to cherish her precious memory her loving husband, Billie Kennedy; two sisters; Berthene Zollicoffer of Lena, MS and Willette Myrick of Carthage, MS. two daughters: Pamela (Robert) Williams of Hickory, MS and Sonya Kennedy of Lena, MS; three grandchildren.

Kadrian Williams of Louisville, MS and Kelcei Williams of Hickory, MS and Kajah Kennedy of Jackson, MS. six stepchildren; Inez (Leon) Edwards of Clarksdale, MS, Leroy Edmonds of Lena, MS, Cynthia Kennedy of Milwaukee, WI, Lesa Kennedy Adenle of Greenbay, WI David Kennedy and Vickie Kennedy of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. a special daughter Latoria Roberts, nieces, Phyllis (Jerry) Washington, Carol Harris, Fredricka (Marion) Keyes and nephews Ray (Shanae) Shoemaker and Phelix (Tashara) Shoemaker, a host of other grandchildren, in-laws, extended family, and dear friends.

Annie's legacy of love, faith, and service will live on in all who knew and loved her.

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