BATESBURG - Jo-Ann Kearse Kennedy went home to be with the Lord early Thursday morning, August 2nd, 2012. Services will be conducted at 4PM Saturday, August 4th, at St. John's United Methodist Church, Batesburg-Leesville with interment in Batesburg Cemetery with Rev. Steven King and Rev. David Butler officiating. The family will receive friends from 6-8PM Friday, August 3rd at Milton Shealy Funeral Home, 115 N. Pine Street, Batesburg-Leesville and at other times at the home at 237 Saluda Avenue, Batesburg-Leesville. Jo-Ann loved her Lord and Savior, her husband, and her three boys. She was the epitome of a true southern lady and all the qualities that entails. She was fiercely loyal to all she loved, especially her family. Born July 21st, 1929, in Bamberg, SC, she grew up the daughter of the late Senator James Carlisle Kearse and Daisy Rizer Kearse. She was a member of "the big four", consisting of four young Bamberg girls: Mary Rischer Tatum, Georgia Free Laney, Marion Smoak, and herself, all who remained close friends their entire lives. She was also a lifelong member of the Methodist Church, both in Bamberg and later Batesburg, SC, where she taught Sunday school and was a Girl Scout leader. Mrs. Kennedy was a member of many organizations, including the Study Club of Batesburg-Leesville, the Book Club, the Camellia Garden Club, the Tripoli Club, the Mae Holler Circle, the Afternoon, Morning, and Wednesday Night Bridge Clubs, the Daughters of American Revolution (DAR), but mostly, she was a loving wife, mother, and homemaker. She was a constant source of inspiration, encouragement, and love to all who knew her. Her family loved her dearly and she will be greatly missed. Surviving are her husband, Ralph Shealy Kennedy, Sr. of the home; son, Ralph Shealy Kennedy, Jr. (Lisa) of Batesburg-Leesville; son, James Guy Kennedy (Kate) of Mount Pleasant; son, Timothy Kearse Kennedy (Ranai) of Summerville; nine grandchildren; Carlisle Evans Kennedy, Lauren Elizabeth Kennedy, Christopher Kearse Kennedy, Timothy Matthew Kennedy, Elizabeth Louise Kennedy, James Guy Kennedy, Jr., Julia Ann Kennedy, Caroline Pape Kennedy, and David Kearse Kennedy. She was predeceased by her older brother, James Carlisle Kearse, Jr. (Caroline) of Bamberg. Pallbearers will be her four grandsons and six nephews, Greg Kearse, Ted Kearse, Dr. Carl Kearse, Len Weeks, Ken Weeks, and Guy Kennedy. The family wishes to thank Lutheran Hospice, Charleston Hospice, and the staff of DayBreak Services for their kind and loving care during Mrs. Kennedy's illness. Memorials may be made to St. John's United Methodist Church, 513 West Church Street, Batesburg-Leesville, SC 29006. Milton Shealy Funeral Home & Crematory is assisting the family with arrangements.

Published in The State on August 3, 2012