Lydia Mae (Mickens) Kennedy was born on July 3, 1934, to the union of Harvey Mickens and Melnee (Cabil) Mickens. She was born in Cedarville Hale, Alabama, where she was known to the family as “Lottie Mae.” Early on she moved to Holt, Alabama and later graduated from Holt High School. As a young girl, she found great joy in dancing. She also enjoyed going to the picture show where she would sit in the white section. Because of her bright complexion nobody ever noticed.
Lydia met her future husband, Herbet Kennedy, while she and her sister were walking home one day. He and a friend pulled up and asked if she needed a ride. She said yes and before she got in the car Herbet said, “put that bright one up front,” and the rest is history. Herbet and Lydia were married and later moved to Portland, Oregon in the 1950’s.
She worked a variety of jobs over the course of her life. She was employed by the Rose Manor Hotel, Emanuel Hospital, King Facilities, and later retired from the Visiting Nurses Association. Some of her favorite past times included the glee club, singing, fishing with her friend - Liza, sewing, and teaching Sunday School.
Lydia was baptized and saved at Faith Tabernacle Church on Williams Avenue. She later moved with the church to their new location at 23rd and Bryant. Her loyalty led her to follow Pastor Grace at a temporary location on MLK Jr Boulevard before her final destination - Grace Covenant Fellowship Church. She was one of the Mothers of her church where she was the liturgy (reader) for years, reading for Bishop LW Osborne and Pastor Grace Osborne. Lydia deeply loved the Lord and would read scriptures daily.
She leaves to mourn her brothers, Dayton C. Mickens and Charles R. Mickens; sisters, Linda J. Mickens-Travis and Juanita Clark; sons, Roderick Miller (deceased), James A. Kennedy, Frederick D. Kennedy Sr. Larry D. Kennedy Sr., and John A. Kennedy; daughter, Felicia R. Kennedy; 15 grandchildren; 25 great grandchildren; one great-great grandchild; and a host of family, friends and loved ones. Lydia will be dearly missed by all who knew her and will never be forgotten.
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