Wanda Kennedy Obituary
Wanda Lee Kennedy, age 99 of Poplar Bluff, MO, passed away on Thursday, March 20, 2025 at her daughter Bev's residence in Franklin, TN. She was born June 2, 1925 in Cape Girardeau, MO, daughter of the late Willis and Lily Elizabeth Pool (neé Wheeler).
On June 6, 1944 she married Kenneth Raymond Kennedy in Kennett, MO. He preceded her in death on February 15, 2009. Mom was a faithful servant of the Lord. She served alongside her husband as pastor's wife among many other roles for over 50 years. They served as missionaries in the Philippines from 1961-1964. She was secretary of General Baptist World Headquarters located in Poplar Bluff from 1965 –1978. She was a longtime member of Fellowship General Baptist Church in Poplar Bluff where her husband pastored until 1986.
Wanda enjoyed reading, quilting, gardening, and canning. She cherished her time spent with family and loved to prepare big meals for everyone to share. She found great joy in playing all kinds of games, and even greater joy in winning them.
She is survived by three children: Denver "Denny" Kennedy and wife Anna of Poplar Bluff, MO, Elaine Trafton of Santa Rosa Beach, FL, and Beverly Ladd and husband Steve of Franklin, TN; six grandchildren: Shannon Green, Kelly Trafton, Jason (Heather) Kennedy, Rachel (Jimmy) Azzolini, Lucas (Kristi) Ladd and Dr. Katelyn (Dr. Thomas) Attwater; 9 great grandchildren: Clay Green, Logan and James Kennedy, Adelaide Azzolini, Juliet, Edward and Pricilla Ladd, and Iris and Felix Attwater; two great-great grandchildren: Flint and Quill Green; and three siblings: Betty McGriff, Jackie Allen, and Tommy Pool.
Visitation will begin at 10:00 AM on Saturday, March 29, 2025 at Fellowship General Baptist Church in Poplar Bluff. Funeral services will follow at 12:00 PM with Rev. Byron Beck and Ernie Rogers officiating. Burial will be at Poplar Bluff City Cemetery in Poplar Bluff, MO.
The family requests memorial contributions be sent to the Kenneth R. Kennedy Scholarship Fund at Oakland City University, 138 Lucretia St., Oakland City, IN 47660.
Condolences: www.whitesandersfuneralhome.com
Legacy.com reports daily on death announcements in local communities nationwide. Visit our funeral home directory for more local information, or see our FAQ page for help with finding obituaries and sending sympathy.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
How you can show support
Notify Me
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
0 Entries
Be the first to post a memory or condolences.
Make a Donation
in Wanda Kennedy's name
People and places connected with Wanda
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
How to support Wanda's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Wanda Kennedy's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
