Elizabeth Ann D’Amore Kennedy (Ann), 78, of Germantown, Tennessee, passed away Monday February 27th, 2023. Ann was born on February 20th, 1945 in Memphis, TN to Andrew and Elizabeth (Hammons) D’Amore. Ann is survived by her loving husband Jerry Kennedy of 62 years, three children: Karla Rice (Glenn), Michael Kennedy and Mary Anthony (Richard); eight grandchildren: Tommy, Kerri (Francis), Kirk, Wesley (Shania), Anthony (Abbie), Jenna, Luke, and Ryan; and two great-grandchildren Kayla and Jakob. She also leaves four siblings, Mary Kleber, David D’Amore, Rita Anderson and Gene D’Amore and many beloved nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents and her younger sister Teresa Vinson.
She met the love of her life Jerry at a young age. They were married January 28th, 1961. Ann and Jerry enjoyed going to dance parties and spending time together. They soon started their family, raising three children in Southaven, MS and then Germantown, TN. Ann enjoyed spending time with family and friends, playing cards, camping, water skiing, and going to the beach. She was a fabulous cook and often hosted her large extended family for holidays and Sunday dinners. In later life, Ann enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren (whom she taught to cook), working in her yard, and relaxing in the pool. She also loved shopping, decorating the house, and her dogs. Ann never met a stranger and would happily talk at length to everyone she encountered. Having earned her degree in Special Education, Ann worked with both children and adults helping them to read and learn mathematics. Her love of teaching and helping others continued after retirement as she taught adult reading classes as well as English as a second language. She was a long-time member of St. Marks and then Germantown United Methodist Church. Ann also attended and led a core group at Collierville Community Bible Study. A visitation for Ann will be held Friday, March 3, 2023 from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Brantley Funeral Home, 6875 Cockrum Street, Olive Branch, MS 38654, with a funeral service to follow from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.brantleyfuneral.com for the Kennedy family. Memorial donations can be made to Literacy Mid-South or the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.
