Delores Delrio Highsmith Kennedy

Delores Delrio Highsmith was born February 13, 1932, to the late Edward and Hattie B. Highsmith in Mt. Olive, North Carolina. She entered eternal rest peacefully in Viera, Florida on July 28, 2023, with her eldest daughter, Alanda, by her side.

Delores graduated from Carver High School in 1949. Later she matriculated at Fordham University and received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in 1974. She then went on to become a teacher in the New York City School System.

Delores married Allen Kennedy, the love of her life, in 1955, and moved to New York City, where they raised their family of five daughters; Alanda Dixon, Cynthia Kennedy, Dolores Hill, Yvonne Kennedy-Pearson, Alfreida Kennedy.

She was predeceased by her loving husband in 1990, and a grandson, Allen Anthony in 1986.

Very early in her life, Delores accepted Christ as her personal savior and was baptized at the age of 11 at St. Mark Freewill Baptist Church in Mt. Olive, North Carolina. She lived her life working for the Kingdom of God at several churches throughout her life; Mother A.M.E. Zion Church in Harlem, New York, Payne Temple A.M.E. Zion Church in Mt. Olive, North Carolina, St. James A.M.E. Zion Church in Goldsboro, NC. She served as Second Vice President Local Lay Council, a member of the Political and Social Awareness Committee and Assistant Class Leader.

Delores was also a very vibrant part of the local political environment both in New York and North Carolina. She was the recipient of several awards and proclamations for her efforts over the years.

While in New York, she received proclamations and citations from New York State Representative Andrew Stein, Congressman Charles Rangel, and the first African American mayor of New York, Mayor David Dinkins. She received awards for her work as Chairperson of the House and Social Service Committee of Planning Board 10; Second Vice President and Secretary of the Community Advisory Board of Harlem Hospital; Chairperson of Title I Advisory Committee, and a member of the Board of Directors of Harlem Health Initiative, to name a few.

She continued to be an integral part of the community when she relocated back home to North Carolina in 1992. She was a member of the Board of Directors for the Mt. Olive Chamber of Commerce; State Executive Committee member North Carolina Democratic Party representing Wayne County, Small Town Main Street Committee member, recipient of the Lillian B. Langley Service Award for the Chamber; Past National President of the Carver Alumni and Friends, and long-time volunteer for the Mt. Olive Pickle Festival.

She leaves to cherish her memories her five daughters; Alanda Dixon of Viera, Florida; Cynthia Kennedy, Orlando, Florida; Dolores Hill, New York; Yvonne Kennedy-Pearson (Darryl), Bradenton, Florida, and Alfreida Kennedy, Bronx, New York.

Delores is also survived by her three sisters; Elaine Bethea of Jacksonville, Florida, Jacqueline Hayes of Pikeville, North Carolina and Diane Hines of Yulee, Florida. Her brother, Benjamin Highsmith, predeceased her.

Delores leaves behind twelve grandchildren; Natasha, Dana, Christopher, Courtney, Candace, Marcus, Michael, Darryl L., Danielle, Jasmine, Dominique and Kaia; eight great-grandchildren; Amaiya, Maxwell, Zoe, Marcel, Arya, Cali Rose, Nolan and Marcus Jr.

Delores was loved by many and her dedication to her family, friends and community have not gone unnoticed and will live forever in our hearts.

We acknowledge her caregivers who were instrumental in her care while she was in Viera, FL. Trina Newberry, Carolyn Brown, who sang her favorite song, Grace & Mercy to her, and Contena Dixon, who called mom “Gangsta.” In addition to her regular caretaker responsibilities, Contena took her to church and would care for her when Alanda traveled to be with her family.

Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, September 9, 2023 at 3:00pm at St. James A.M.E. Zion Church - 205 S. George Street, Goldsboro, NC 27530

Presiding Pastor David Elliott, St. James A.M.E. Zion

In this hour of trial, we are eternally grateful to our many friends for their numerous kindnesses. Your prayers, cards, visits and calls have helped ease the pain of our loss.

May God bless each of you.

Lovingly,

The family of the late Delores Highsmith Kennedy

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.FloridaMemorialFH-Gardens.com for the Kennedy family.