Evelyn "Jerry" Jerrold Kennedy

“Jerry” Kennedy, 89, a longtime resident of New Smyrna Beach, Florida, passed away peacefully on December 26, 2024.

Jerry was born in Dayton, Ohio, to Hugh and Norma Bivins. As a child, she moved to central Florida and graduated with the class of ‘53 from N.S.B.H.S. In 1957, she married Raymond J. Kennedy at Sacred Heart Church. Through the years as a naval officer’s wife, Jerry embraced the challenges of relocating her family from central Florida, around the country, and back again. Everywhere she lived, neighbors and friends remember how her creativity left an indelible mark on all who knew her.

In 1979, Jerry returned with her family to settle in her hometown of New Smyrna Beach. She played a large role in the local arts and crafts community, annually volunteering with Images: A Festival of the Arts and founding TAG, a women’s crafting group. Jerry worked lovingly to fashion clay figurines, dubbed “Angels with Attitude,” and imbued every creation with a personal sense of whimsy.

Above all, Jerry’s greatest gift was her family. Jerry–or “Granny,” as she was affectionately called by her grandchildren–hosted unforgettable holiday gatherings at her log cabin filled with love, laughter, and signature sugar cookie decorating. Granny will be deeply missed but forever remembered by the legacy of warmth she left behind.

A beloved matriarch, she is survived by her son, Mark B. Kennedy and two daughters, Mary K. Kennedy and Gretchen Kennedy D’Antico (John), as well as ten grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. Jerry was preceded in death by her husband of 47 years, Cmdr. Raymond J. Kennedy, son Raymond J. Kennedy Jr., and daughter Jennifer Kennedy Morrison.

The family will host a private celebration of life. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Atlantic Center for the Arts in her name. May we all continue to cherish loved ones and appreciate life’s simple beauty in Jerry’s loving memory.

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