Mary Louise Kennedy

1935 - 2025

Mary Louise Kennedy, known as "Louise," 89, formerly of Garden City, Georgia, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family, on Friday, October 17, 2025 at Hospice House in Savannah. She was born on December 24, 1935, in Savannah, Georgia. Her life was lived unto the glory of her Savior and Lord Jesus Christ in love, devotion, and faithful service. She was a devoted and loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother to her family. Louise was a long-time member of Garden City First Baptist Church. She taught Kindergarten there for 10 years, first as Assistant Director the first year and then as Director the remaining years. She loved her students and co-workers and always had funny things to tell her family about each day's events. She found teaching a very rewarding experience that she cherished. Later, after caring for her father and aunt in their time of need, Louise worked as the telephone operator at the 165th Air National Guard for several years and then worked in the City of Garden City water department. In all of her jobs she loved her work and those she worked with who became her lifelong friends. Louise is survived by her daughters, Diane Kennedy Evans of Pooler, GA, and Janet Kennedy Caines (Donald) of Guyton, GA; four grandchildren, Matthew Caines (Angeline); Lauren Caines Pearl (Brian); Clinton Hodges; and Audrian Hodges Malin (Kyle); 10 great-grandchildren, Elizabeth, James, Aaron, Moriah, Micah, and Jason Caines; Grace and Tennyson Pearl; and Makenli and Calhan Malin; son-in-law, Carlton Hodges; dear "adopted" family member by love, Noelle Huff (Shane) and her family; and several nieces and nephews. Louise married the love of her life, Jimmy Kennedy. They met on a blind double date, and they both knew on that first date they wanted to marry each other, which was truly love at first sight and a lifelong love affair for 51 years of marriage. Louise was preceded in death by her faithful, devoted, and loving husband James (Jimmy) Edward Kennedy; one of her twin daughters, Joan Kennedy Hodges; her parents, Harry (Sr.) and Mary Shearouse; and brother, Harry Shearouse, Jr. The family would like to thank the entire staff of Hospice Savannah, Inc., in Savannah who lovingly cared for Louise and her family during the two weeks she was there until her death. Visitation and funeral services to celebrate Louise's life will be at the Thomas C. Strickland & Sons Funeral Home, Pooler chapel, on Saturday, October 25, 2025; visitation from 9:30 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. followed by the funeral at 10:30 a.m. in the chapel. Burial will follow at Forest Lawn Memory Gardens in Savannah. Remembrances may be given to Georgia Baptist Children's Home, 505 Water Works Road, Palmetto, GA 30268 or Hospice Savannah, Inc., P.O. Box 13190, Savannah, GA 31416. Thomas C. Strickland & Sons Funeral Homes – WEST CHATHAM CHAPEL – 901 West Highway 80 – Pooler, Georgia (912) 748-2444