Kathleen Ann (Kennedy) Jones

Graveside Celebration of Life Service for Kathleen Ann Kennedy, 76, of Santa Rosa beach, Florida, will be Saturday, October 11, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. at Southern Memorial Park.

Kathleen A. Kennedy, beloved mother, cherished friend and radiant spirit, passed away June 5, 2021 at the Destin Rehabilitation Center in Destin, Florida. She was born March 5, 1945, in Biloxi, Mississippi.

Kathy lived her life with boundless compassion for everyone she met. She was an artist at heart and adored being creative. Kathleen expressed herself through music, art and words. However, those music notes began to pour from her, way before she was a Mother. Back in college, Kathy was a member of a folk singing group, “Two Pats Plus Three”. She loved all types of music and singing was often her outlet for any worry that came her way. She shared her heart generously, loved cooking for others, and even helped with publishing a cookbook, with her artwork, recipes, and photography. Kathleen was a storyteller. Anyone could listen to her sweet voice for hours describing a memory and she could put that colorful description down on paper with ease. Kathy had an adventurous heart and a deep curiosity about the world. She enjoyed traveling: to Europe, to Russia or even just a few towns over, which memories that she cherished throughout her life. She loved spending time with friends and being around her was a gift. She was the positive energy and the brightest light of comfort. Kathy was kind, nurturing and above all had a connection to all living beings.

She lived in Biloxi, MS, Monroe, LA, Tunica, MS, Brandon, MS, Auburn, AL, Stillwater, OK and Memphis, TN, before moving to Blue Mountain Beach, FL, living most of her senior years here at the beach.

Kathleen was preceded in death by her parents, Mary Elizabeth Kennedy and MSgt. James "Jim" Paul Kennedy.

Kathleen Kennedy is survived by her daughter, Kelly Allison Connell and son-in-law, Brian T. Connell of Santa Rosa Beach, FL and granddaughters, Casey Meghan Connell of Tampa, FL and Elisabeth Grace Connell of London, England.

Kathleen was a Christian and her ashes have been spread at Grayton Beach, FL,  and along with her best friend’s, Eileen Hurley, in Venice, Italy and now her final resting place of Biloxi, MS, as she requested to be with her loving parents.

Her laughter, warmth, and light will live on in our hearts of her family and friends. The love she gave and the joy she shared will continue to guide us every day.  Her gentle spirit, and joyful heart will be forever missed and always remembered.