Sarah Elizabeth Kenly

1925 - 2024

Sarah Elizabeth Kenly of Aberdeen received her reward of eternal life at home on Thursday, August 22, 2024. She was 98.

Sarah, as she was so lovely called, was born to Leona Hooks and William Hooks in Fox Harbor, which is now known as Aberdeen Proving Ground in 1925. Sarah lived in Harford County all her life. Sarah was a speed runner in her younger days, able to outrun any gal or guy who tried to race her. Sarah attended The Colored School and retired from Bata Shoe Company. Sarah loved her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and it showed in her everyday lifestyle. 

Sarah was preceded in death by her parents, Leona and William, her loving husband William Frank Kenly, Her brother Louis Monk (Novella), Brother Ralph Hooks, sister Catherine Hooks, Brother William (Billy) Hooks (Easter), Brother James G. (Jimmy) Hooks, Daughter Helen Sloan (John) and Great Grandson Yared LuCruz.

Sarah leaves to Cherish all the memories - Children, Larry Strothers (Patricia), Walter Kenly (Sylvia Spencer), and Florence Burton. Her loving Sister Oneida (Hooks) Christy, 17 Grandchildren, 36 Great Grandchildren, and 18 Great Great-Grandchildren. A host of nieces and nephews. Along with her loving usher board and church family.

~Her Words, Her Way~

"My name is Sarah Hooks Kenly, I was born in Fox Harbor which is now a part of Aberdeen Proving Ground in Harford County Maryland.

I am a member of Union United Church for many many years.

I was happily married to William Frank Kenly for 49 years. My most wonderful achievement was being mother to my 4 children, Larry, Helen, Walter and Florence. Grandmother to 14 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great-grandchildren. I have been richly blessed.

My vision in life is to serve the Lord. I have been a soldier in the God's Army serving as Usher for the Lord. It's an honor also to be the mother of the usher board of Union United Church. My Motto in life which helps me to follow his will "I can do all things in Christ which strengthens me. Philippians"

~Lovingly Sarah Kenly~

Services will be held Aug.30 at Union  Methodist Church Swan Creek in Aberdeen with the Rev. Granderson Jones Jr. Officiating. Pallbearers are LuCruz Dunlop, Marcus Harris, Zarnoff Dunlop, Gene Christy, Marion Hamilton, Bobby Harris, Adrian Christy, Honorary Pallbearers are Julian Christy, Edmund Pankey, Sr, Jimmie Burton, John Sloan, Louis Monk II & III, Leo Kenly, Gerald Scott, Stevy Kenly, Eric Henson, Eugene Kelly, Marshall Rush Bernard Kenly, Gerald Hooks, Herbie Walls, Richard Christy, and James Hooks. Interment will be at Berkely Cemetery in Darlington. Arrangements by Lisa Scott Funeral Home in Havre De Grace, MD