Jana Kennedy
Jana Graves Kennedy was born on August 14, 1962 in Paris, Texas. She passed away on May 20th, 2017. Jana graduated from North Lamar High School in 1980. She went to Texas A&M in College Station on a track scholarship and graduated in 1984 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education. Throughout her life she taught elementary age children at Pleasant Grove in Texarkana, North Lamar and Paris ISD.
Jana married Mike Kennedy of Paris in 1985 at Calvary Methodist Church. They made their home, first in Texarkana and then moved back to their hometown, Paris to be closer to both of their families. Jana and Mike had a wonderful life together as they raised their three children, Kara, Cole and Kyle. Jana was an incredible wife and mother that filled her home with a Christian faith, love and peace. While living in Texarkana, Jana was very active in the Angel Fund, an organization that provided for cancer patients. She also served at Watersprings Ranch for children in need. Her largest role and most precious commitment was to that of her family. She instilled in her children the importance of family, God and giving to others. Jana modestly spent her life giving to others as a teacher and caring friend. Through her most unassuming personality and giving spirit, she reached and touched the heart of anyone who knew her. It was known by all, that Jana’s heart was one of a servant and she was loved deeply.
She is survived by her husband Mike and their three children, Kara and her husband Bill Mabrey of Fayetteville, Arkansas, Cole Kennedy of Austin, Texas and Kyle Kennedy, a senior at The University of Arkansas in Fayetteville. She is also survived by her parents, Faye and James Graves, sister and brother in law, Jeri and Larry Wooldridge, brother and sister in law, Monica and Russell Graves, mother in law Betty Kennedy and sister in law Kathy and Mark Cantrell. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews and cousins.
The family will receive friends on Tuesday May 23rd from 6 until 7:30 pm at Fry Gibbs Funeral Home. Her life will be celebrated with a memorial service on Wednesday, May 24th at 4 pm at First United Methodist Church in Paris. It will be officiated by the Reverends Mike Fortenberry, Rob Spencer and Bill Coleman. A reception for friends and family will follow in the Fellowship Hall. A private burial will be held prior to the service. Pallbearers are Mark Cantrell, John Wigley, Zach Willliams, Robert Graves, Daniel Dekat and Stephen Wooldridge. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to be made to the Boys and Girls Club Foundation of the Red River Valley at 1530 NE 1st Street Paris, Texas 75460 or to the charity of your choice.
The family would like to express their appreciation for the outpouring of kindness and support from the many people that loved their precious mother, sister, daughter and wife, Jana.
Online condolences may be made at www.fry-gibb.com.