NANCY LOU WALLIS KENNEDY,
79, of Little Rock, went to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on April 9, 2021. She died at her home with her family by her side. She was born March 27, 1942 in De Queen, Ark., to the late Ryman and Mary Wallis and was their only child. She lived with her parents in Lockesburg, Ark., but attended school in De Queen where her mother taught. After the 10th grade, her mother accepted a teaching position in Magnolia, Ark., where Nancy attended high school and graduated in 1960. She attended Southern Arkansas University (formerly Southern State College) for two years where she met Jerry Kennedy. She transferred to Henderson State University (formerly Henderson State College) in 1962 and graduated in 1964 with a degree in English.
She is survived by her husband of 55 years, Jerry; her daughter, Joely Kennedy Fletcher of Little Rock, Ark.; her son, Greg Kennedy (wife, Christine) of Centennial, Colo.; granddaughter, Natalie Fletcher of Little Rock; and grandsons, Blake and Luke Kennedy of Centennial, Colo.
After graduating from Henderson, she taught school in Pine Bluff, Ark., before marrying in August, 1965. She then went on to teach English and Spanish for four years. After the birth of the couple’s daughter they moved to Jackson, Tenn., for two years, where she was a stay-at-home mom. After a couple of years, the couple moved to Hot Springs and then to Little Rock, where their son was born. Nancy taught piano in her home for approximately 15 years until the couple moved to China in 1995 for four years. While overseas, the couple was able to travel within China, along with visiting other countries, including Bali, Thailand, and Australia. After returning home, they continued their love of travel within the U.S.
She was a member of Bible Study Fellowship and Community Bible Study for many years. She was also very active in her church (Fellowship Bible Church), serving in Women’s Ministries and in small group ministries. She was also a long time annual worshipper, camper, and Trustee of Ebenezer Campground in southwest Arkansas.
Nancy loved people. She was a gentle and gracious lady and the most genuine lady you would meet. She was a hugger! At church or other greetings, she was like a “butterfly”, fluttering from person to person, giving greetings and hugs. She loved to entertain in her home, having groups of ladies in for a neighborhood summer Bible study, a bridal shower, a baby shower or just a visit. She will be remembered by her family and friends for her love, compassion and kindness as a follower of Jesus Christ.
Memorials may be made to CARTI, 855-552-2784, ext. 7612, https://carti.ejoinme.org/donate or American Cancer Society, 1-800-227-2345, https://www.cancer.org/.
Family will receive friends at a visitation 5-7 p.m. Wednesday, April 14, 2021, at Smith Little Rock Funeral Home, 8801 Knoedl Court. A celebration of her life will be held 11 a.m. Thursday, April 15, 2021, at Fellowship Bible Church, 1401 Kirk Rd, Little Rock. Bill Parkinson and Shelby Smith will officiate. Online guestbook at www.smithfamilycares.com.