Nancy L "Privitt" Kennedy

In Loving Memory of Nancy L. Privitt-Kennedy
July 25, 1944 – February 5, 2026
Nancy L. Privitt-Kennedy, age 81, passed peacefully on February 5, 2026. Born on July 25, 1944, Nancy lived a life filled with creativity, faith, and deep devotion to family.
Nancy cherished her loved ones above all else. She is survived by her children, Tony Kennedy and Kelly Kennedy-Dean (Teresea); her grandchildren, Paige Kennedy-Irvin (Eddie) and Tara Bittle-Smith (Clint); and her treasured great-grandchildren, Heath and Hudson Irvin, and Harper and Haven Smith. She also leaves behind her nephew, Hogan Privitt, and her brothers, Nathan, Neal, and Doug Privitt.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Hiram Privitt and Louise Baker-Johnston.
Guided by her Christian faith, Nancy lived with grace, kindness, and an unwavering trust in God. Her gentle spirit and generous heart touched everyone who knew her.
Nancy expressed her joy for life through creativity and connection. She loved dancing at the Sugarloaf Dance Center, writing beautiful short stories, and sharing her lovely singing voice during her time with the Sweet Adeline's. Her hands were rarely still - she poured her heart into arts and crafts, built her longtime website Homemade in America, and traveled to craft shows in her RV, spreading warmth and inspiration wherever she went.
She nurtured lifelong friendships, including her cherished childhood friends who lovingly called themselves "the Yaya Sisterhood." Professionally, Nancy was the proud owner and stylist of Artistic Beauty Salon on the downtown court square in Heber Springs, where she not only styled hair but built lasting relationships within her community.
Nancy's life was a beautiful tapestry of faith, family, friendship, and creativity. She leaves behind a legacy of love that will continue through generations. Though deeply missed, her light remains in every story told, every song remembered, and every heart she touched.
A celebration of Nancy's life with close family will be held at a future date.
In honor of Nancy's favorite poem, her family shares Desiderata by Max Ehrmann:
Go placidly amid the noise and haste,
and remember what peace there may be in silence.
As far as possible, without surrender,
be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly;
and listen to others, even to the dull and the ignorant;
they too have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons;
they are vexations to the spirit.
If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain or bitter,
for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.
Keep interested in your own career, however humble;
it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs, for the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you to what virtue there is;
many persons strive for high ideals, and everywhere life is full of heroism.
Be yourself. Especially, do not feign affection.
Neither be cynical about love; for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment
it is as perennial as the grass.
Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.
But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.
Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself.
You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars;
you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you,
no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.
Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be.
And whatever your labors and aspirations,
in the noisy confusion of life, keep peace in your soul.
With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.