Helen Rebecca Kennedy

Helen Rebecca Battle “Beckie” Kennedy (1923-2024)

It is with deep sorrow and much love that we mourn the passing of Helen Rebecca Battle “Beckie” Kennedy of Columbus, Ohio. Beckie passed away peacefully on Sunday May 12, 2024 (Mother’s Day) at Kobacker House in Columbus, Ohio after a brief illness, at the age of 100, surrounded by family members, leaving a void her family cannot fill.

Beckie was born in Charleston, West Virginia on December 5, 1923 to Lillie and Thomas Battle Sr.  Sadly, her mother passed away when she was only eight years old. She missed her mother deeply. Beckie was preceded in death by her mother and father; sister, Mattie Ann (infant); brothers, Andrew Nick Battle Sr. and Thomas Battle Jr.; ex-husband, Vance Kennedy; brother-in-law Albert Rinehart; and sister-in-law Laura Battle.

Beckie was a devoted mother to her four children, Thomas Gordon (Carolyn) Kennedy, Lester Kennedy, and Stacie Kennedy, all of Columbus, Ohio and Gigi Ruth (Parish) Weldon of Decatur, Georgia. She loved each of her children unconditionally and provided each with life-long love and support. In addition to her children, Beckie is survived by her sister and friend, Beatrice "Aunt Bea" Rinehart of Columbus, Ohio; four grandchildren, Kathryn Kennedy Towns, Thomas “Apollo” Kennedy Jr., Tiona Thompson and Kenyatta “Kenny” Pearson, all of the Columbus, Ohio metropolitan area; fifteen great-grandchildren, nine great-great-grandchildren, daughter-in-law Clarice Kennedy, and sister-in-law Altheda Carrie. She is also survived by a host of loving nieces and nephews and a host of long-time friends. Special nieces and nephews include: Joan (John) Scott, Ellen Rinehart, Delores (George) Cohen, and Andrew (Diane) Battle Jr.; special friends who will never forget the love she brought to their lives include Myrna “Twinkle” Geiger, Mae McLaurin, Mary and Jerry Woodhouse, Crystal Pearson, Tammy and Joy Freeman, Anita Hart, Colleen Campbell, Mary Dewberry, Elizabeth Spinner, Elise Dodley, and First Lady Tammy and Bishop Kendrick Meredith (Life Abundantly Church, Conyers Georgia).

Beckie attended school in West Virginia and in New York. She proudly graduated from Garnet High School in Charleston, West Virginia. Garnet High School, built in 1928-1929 was one of three high schools built in the Kanawha Valley for African-American students. Beckie and her family moved to Columbus, Ohio in the mid-1950’s. One of Beckie’s first jobs in Columbus was that of an elevator operator at Lazarus in downtown Columbus. She later went on to work for the State of Ohio at the Columbus State Hospital located on West Broad Street. Beckie retired in 1990 after 25 years of service.

Beckie was baptized at an early age and accepted the Lord as her Savior at Metropolitan Baptist Church in Charleston, West Virginia.  She was a long-time member of Union Grove Baptist Church in Columbus, Ohio where she served as a faithful member of the Usher Board. Beckie loved God and had a kind and gentle spirit. She was caring and considerate, generous and loving, a living example of what it means to be a “Child of God”. She was wise beyond her years, if that can be imagined. She often shared her “Pearls of Wisdom” with family and friends. She will be missed!

Beckie loved to sew and read, especially the Bible. She was famous for her homemade rolls. YUM! YUM!  Beckie was very creative! On special occasions, Beckie would often use her mind, heart and hands to design/make special cards and keepsakes for her loved ones. Beckie had a giving spirit. She supported many charitable organizations, including St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Salvation Army, Mouth Foot Painting Artists, Susan G. Komen, NAACP, Boys Town, Paralyzed Vets of America, March of Dimes, United Negro College Fund, St. Joseph Indian School, VFW, Operation Smile, Feed the Children, and The Obama Foundation.

In lieu of flowers, donations to any of the organizations mentioned in the name of Helen Rebecca Kennedy are appreciated.

The family wishes to send a SPECIAL THANK YOU to Dr. Cassandra Suggs and also to the staff at Kobacker House, Columbus, Ohio for their care and compassion. Beckie once told Dr. Suggs “You are part of the reason why I have lived so long!” 

Beckie’s Legacy to her family is LOVE. One of Beckie’s life-long heartfelt prayers was for everyone to love and respect each other. We can honor her memory by following her lead!

Celebration of Life 11 AM Monday, May 20, 2024 at Union Grove Baptist Church, 266 N. Champion Ave., Columbus, OH 43203 where the family will receive friends from 10 AM until start of service. Interment, Franklin Hills Memory Gardens, 5802 Elder Rd, Canal Winchester, OH 43110.

Arrangements entrusted to SMOOT FUNERAL SERVICES, 4019 E. Livingston Ave., Columbus, Ohio, 614-444-1463. To express your condolences or share a favorite memory of Helen Rebecca Kennedy, please visit www.smootfuneral.com

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Helen Rebecca Kennedy, please visit our floral store.