Kennedy ~ Mrs. Vera Lee Kennedy, known affectionately as “Mother”, was born April 15, 1937, in Sandusky, Illinois to Ellis Sykes and Callie Buford. Vera was a spirited individual who sincerely had a love for people, and who was fueled with the spirit of God with a perseverance until the very end. Filled with the Holy Ghost, she fulfilled her assignment up to the day of her transition to her heavenly rest February 20, 2022.
Vera, a true woman of God, committed her life to Christ when she was saved in 1965 at 28 years of age in Los Angeles, California. While in Los Angeles and a single mother of five children, Vera was called by God on assignment as an evangelist. She began ministering God’s Word to the lost souls throughout the country; continually bringing light into dark places. Resulting from her love and obedience to God, and her love for people, many souls have been saved and gone to be heirs to the kingdom with our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.
In 1979, she married Bishop Aaron Kennedy, Jr. and together they ministered through the Evangelistic Deliverance Team Center established in Folkston, Georgia. In 2000, this team began a street ministry on Oak Street and Tebeau Street in Folkston, reaching out to the community sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ and providing hot meals for those in need. In 2011, she received a proclamation commemorating her 74th birthday by the Mayor of the City of Waycross extending appreciation for her service. One of Mother’s favorite scriptures was Matthew 9:37, “Then He said unto His disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few.” Vera, Mother, labored for the Lord for fifty-six years of her life. Truly a life of service to be admired!
She is preceded in death by husband, Bishop Aaron Kennedy; sons, Leon Wilkins, Wesley Wilkins, and Joseph Wilkins; both parents, Ellis Sykes and Callie Buford; brothers Elbert Wells, Joseph Sykes, Alvin Sykes, Michael Sykes, Elroy Sykes, Leroy Sykes; sister, Alma Massey.
Vera leaves behind a devoted family to cherish her legacy, children, Ronald Wilkins (Los Angeles, CA) and Veronica Jennings (Yulee, FL); grandchildren, Ronald Wilkins, Jr., CiJi Flores, Kelly Kennedy (SON), Carmen Awuah, Kellee Chambers, Latasha Dillon; eight great-grandchildren; siblings, Deloris “Shirley” Gillum (Vancouver, WA) and Doris “Maxine” Jones (Los Angeles, CA); other relatives and friends. Arrangements entrusted to J. E. Fralin & Sons Funeral & Cremation Services, 5065 Soutel Drive, 904.924.9400
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