Kimberly Mathes Kennedy

Kimberly Mathes Kennedy, age 58, of Houston, Texas, passed away on August 3, 2024. Born on April 14, 1966, in San Juan, Puerto Rico, she was a vibrant soul cherished by all who knew her. Her life can be characterized by a devout love for the Lord Jesus Christ, and an earnest desire to be made more like Him and to share His love with others.

Kimberly grew up in Athens, Texas, and later moved to New Jersey, graduating from Princeton High School. She pursued higher education at Vanderbilt University, majoring in Spanish following a memorable semester abroad in Spain. Kimberly spent time following her graduation using her creativity, expert planning, and personable nature in the non-profit sphere. Following a first date at Pappy's and a proposal on Lake Conroe, Kimberly married Brian Kennedy of Houston, Texas in 1990. They had their first child, Katherine, in 1996, and their second, Scott, in 1998.

Throughout her kids' childhoods, she was ever-present in her role as a mom, taking great care to intentionally teach, train, and support her children in every area of life, doing so with excellence. More recently, she spent the last seven years supporting BEMA Information Technologies as an Executive Assistant.

Kimberly's spiritual life was spurred on by her parents and deeply shaped by an impactful summer at Frontier Ranch with Young Life in 1985. She was a longtime member of Bridgepoint Bible Church, and more recently attended Grace Bible Church. Her faith was the cornerstone of her existence, deeply influencing her approach to life and the community around her. Her children remember the way she demonstrated and taught them the importance of a personal relationship with Jesus, even at a young age.

Kimberly was known for her humility, energetic interest in and support of others, her kindness, and thoughtful and detailed planning. Her hobbies included reading, baking, and photography. She was an avid participant in a Bible study, bunco group, and book club, each filled with women she loved dearly. She was passionately involved in her children's lives, never missing an event and always being their biggest supporter.

Kimberly is survived by her loving husband, Brian Ford Kennedy; children, Katherine Ford Kennedy and Scott Mathes Kennedy; daughter-in-law, Charlotte Brown Kennedy; brother, Bill Mathes; sister-in-law, Kristie Mathes; nephews, Cameron Cook, Griffin Mathes, Dustin Mathes (Katie and children Micah, Macon, and Miles); niece, Clancy Mathes; and many cousins, including Diana Waring (Charlie), Stephen Brandt (Kelly), Patrick Brandt, Christopher Brandt, Jennifer Cobb, Mary Cobb, and Melissa Cobb. She was preceded in death by her parents, Barbara and Burke Mathes, and sister, Julie Mathes.

A service to celebrate Kimberly's life will be held at Grace Bible Church in Houston, Texas, at 11:00 am on August 9, 2024. Memorial Oaks Funeral Home & Cemetery in Houston, Texas is assisting the family with arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Kimberly's memory can be made to the camping ministry of Stratford Westside Area Young Life, honoring her lifelong commitment to nurturing young lives. All who wish to contribute may do so by using the following link: bit.ly/HonoringKimberly.

"Let your light shine before men; that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven." - Matthew 5:16