Barbara Dukes Kennedy

Barbara Dukes Kennedy June 17, 1934 - July 7, 2023

Barbara Dukes Kennedy, aged 89, passed away peacefully on July 7, 2023. She was born on June 17, 1934, in Pocahontas, TN, to William Vaughn Dukes and Ophelia Estelle Mills Dukes. Throughout her life, Barbara exemplified unwavering love for her family, a passion for education, and a deep faith in God.

Barbara married the love of her life, Travis Kennedy, in 1953. Together, they built a loving home and farm in Middleton, TN, where they raised their four children. Travis preceded her in death on September 6, 2019. Their unwavering devotion to each other and their shared faith were evident in their active involvement at the Middleton Church of Christ.

Left to cherish her memory are her four children: Angela Bath (David), Chris Thompson (the late Paul Thompson), Lisa Ray (Kerry Pat), and Jon Kennedy (Laura). Barbara's legacy extended to her beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who brought immense joy to her life. She was a proud grandmother to Anthony, Daniel, Amy (Paul Southard), Stephen, Spencer, Sarah Sheehan (Hunter), Whitney Thomas (Brandon), Carson Ray, Nathan (Erin) Kennedy, and Will Kennedy.

Her great-grandchildren, Kennedy Ann Sheehan, Judah and Charlotte Jo Thomas, held a special place in her heart.

Barbara attended Memphis State College where she received her Bachelor's and Master's Degrees.   Barbara's passion for education led her to serve on the Hardeman County Board of Education. One of Barbara's proudest achievements was her role in the opening and continued operation of The Middleton Community Library as well as being selected to receive the Certificate of Award for Outstanding Achievement in Education by the Hardeman County Chamber of Commerce in May of 90.

She devoted herself to nurturing young minds and made a lasting impact as a dedicated teacher. Her commitment to education extended beyond the classroom, as she served as Vice-Principal and Librarian. Barbara's faith was an integral part of her life, and she shared her deep spiritual insights as a Sunday School teacher.

Barbara's impacts were felt throughout Middleton and Hardeman County.  Her list of memberships and affiliations included:  Middleton Main Street Church of Christ, Middleton Community Library Board, Hardeman County Education Association, Tennessee Library Association, Middleton Woman's Club, and the Western Mental Health Board of Trustees.

The family kindly requests that donations be made in Barbara's honor to Middleton Church of Christ, or Pinevale Children's Home as education and faith were causes dear to her heart.

Barbara Dukes Kennedy will be remembered as a woman of profound love, resilience, and unwavering faith. Her legacy lives on through her family, who will forever be inspired by her values and the example she set. May she rest in eternal peace, surrounded by the love of God, as her memory continues to shine brightly in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.