Jean Yawn Kennedy

Sallie Jean Yawn Kennedy, 83, of Macon, Georgia passed away peacefully on August 24, 2022, surrounded by her family.  Jean was born July 23, 1939, to John Preston and Maggie Mae Fuller Yawn.  She graduated from A.L. Miller High School in 1957.  She married Kenneth Charles Kennedy in June 1961, and they had two children, Jena Lynn Kennedy and Joel Lane Kennedy.

Jean was employed by Gilead Christian Academy where she taught kindergarten and also worked as the school secretary for many years, where she was well-loved.  She and Kenneth attended Gilead Baptist Church, where she was a member for 60 years. She could often be found arranging flowers, singing in the choir, or writing cards of encouragement to shut-ins.

Jean was also an avid gardener and became a Master Gardener and long-time member of the Master Gardeners of Central Georgia.  She loved day lilies and hydrangea, and had a long-standing battle with local deer over her prized plants.  Alongside her sister Nancy, she volunteered at the Tags of Hope Thrift Shoppe, helping raise funds for children at the Methodist Home.

Jean had a competitive streak and loved playing games. She was always up for a game of Monopoly with her grandchildren, and often bested them when she took them bowling.  She loved watching Braves baseball and cheering on the Falcons.

A loving wife, mom, grandmother, sister, friend--her greatest legacy was her service to others. She was constantly in motion, sharing her gifts and reflecting Christ's love and touching so many.

Jean is survived by her husband of 61 years, Kenneth Kennedy, along with her children, Jena Kennedy (Byron Wells) and Joel Kennedy (Dawn), along with grandchildren: Preston Kennedy, Ben Kennedy, Erin Wells (Andrew Smith), Justin Mullen (Valerie Avallone) and Mark Wells (Lizzie) and great grandchildren: Matt Smith, Tyler Smith, Connor Smith, and Peyton Smith.  She is also survived by her sister Nancy Simmons (Bobby) and is predeceased by her parents and her sister Delia Yawn Clemo.

The memorial service will be Friday, August 26 at 11:00 a.m. at Harts Mortuary, 6324 Peake Road, Macon, GA and will be officiated by Pastor J. Craig Holmes. Following the service, the family will host a reception where they invite family and friends to fellowship and celebrate Jean's life and legacy. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Gilead Baptist Church, 4800 Ivey Drive, Macon, GA 31206.

Hart’s at the Cupola, Hart's Mortuary and Cremation Center, 6324 Peake Rd, Macon, GA 31210 has charge of the arrangements.

Gilead Baptist Church
4800 Ivey Drive, Macon GA 31206