Donna Kennedy

Donna Kennedy, a loving wife, a dedicated mother, adoring grandmother “Didi,” steadfast friend, and servant leader died peacefully at home on Wednesday, October 16th. She was 72.

Donna was born in Cooperstown, New York on February 10, 1952 to Minnie and Harold Deuel. The family moved to Orlando, Florida when Donna was a young child. Donna learned about automobiles from her dad and loved the smell of an autobody shop. Donna also learned to bake and sew proficiently, both hobbies that she continued into her adult life and often given in celebration and gratitude to loved ones.

After graduating high school in 1970, Donna attended her first 2 years of college at the University of Central Florida and transferred to Palm Beach Atlantic University her junior year. There she met her husband, James Kennedy, and they were married within a year. She studied Religion and English and graduated summa cum laude in 1974. Following graduation, the couple moved to Louisville, Kentucky where Jim attended seminary, and Donna worked on campus. They welcomed their daughter, Erin, in 1977. After a short time in Indiana and Florida, the family lived in New Jersey for 5 years. While in New Jersey, Donna worked at Drew University and later served as Interim Scripture Supply Fund Director at the American Bible Society where she fell in love with New York City.

Donna, Jim, and Erin moved to Waco, Texas in the summer of 1986. She earned her MBA at Baylor and became a Systems Analyst, writing software for the university. The family joined Seventh and James Baptist Church, which quickly became their extended family. Donna served in numerous roles throughout her nearly 40 years as a member. She served on multiple councils, played handbells, and volunteered for innumerable children and youth activities. She taught youth Sunday school for 34 years. She was ordained as a deacon in 2005. She volunteered with Meals on Wheels and the student uniform ministry. Donna humbly served in almost all the ways one could at the church and as a friend.

Donna was a firm believer in inclusivity and acceptance of everyone. She was an advocate and friend to people in the LGBTQ community as an active member of PFLAG and GLACT. She volunteered at community events, welcomed people to Pride Prom, and supported annual Pride Day events.

After Donna retired at the end of 2019, she continued to enjoy cheering on the Lady Bears, walking and hiking with friends, yoga, book club, gardening, and sewing.

Not only was Donna a good friend and servant leader, she was an enthusiastic “Didi” to her only granddaughter, Kennedy. Donna loved having her for the week of Children’s Music Camp, baking with her, teaching her to sew, painting Easter eggs together, playing Wii games, and creating delightful Halloween costumes for her. Donna and Jim attended every piano recital or basketball game that they could and all of Kennedy’s church events, fundraisers, and performances.

Donna was diagnosed with cancer in October 2023. She was quietly brave as she faced the disease to extend and enjoy her life as long as possible.

Donna is survived by her husband, Jim; daughter, Erin; son-in-law, Wade Mayer; granddaughter, Kennedy; and her brother, Leon Deuel.

Visitation with the Kennedy family will be on Monday, October 28 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at OakCrest Funeral Home in Waco, Texas. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, October 29 at Seventh and James Baptist Church.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Seventh and James Baptist Church designated to the school uniform ministry.