© Barnes Friederich Funeral Home
1820 S. Douglas Blvd.
Midwest City, OK 73130
(permission granted)

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Berniece Susan Kennedy

October 3, 1922 - September 21, 2009

Our Lord in Heaven opened His Pearly Gates for Berniece Susan Kennedy on Monday, September 21, 2009. She was born to Carlton Cabron and Susan Louisa Scruggs, on October 3, 1922 in Joy, Oklahoma. She was cherished and adored by that noble man in her life, her husband of 63 years, Lt Col Charles Henry Kennedy, who passed away on January 6, 2004. They were married in a double ring wedding ceremony on June 12, 1941 in Davis, Oklahoma. They didn't have a honeymoon, because Charles loaned his car to his brother so he and his new wife could have a honeymoon. Berniece and Charles made up for it though by enjoying the benefits of the good Army life. Their military moves took them to Texas, New Mexico (where Chaniece was born), California, Utah, Indiana, Guam (where Keene was born) and Germany. In 1957 they returned to Oklahoma and have spent the last 52 years loving life in Midwest City. Over the years, Berniece had many interests and hobbies. She enjoyed making unique quilts for family members, was a gifted gardener and enjoyed landscaping their property. She was a chic home decorating specialist, talented seamstress, clotheshorse shopper, outstanding bowler and finally a fanatic OU football fan. She excelled at bridge, achieving the distinguished Life Master title in 1987 from the American Contract Bridge Association. She also directed the Duplicate Bridge Group at the Tinker Officers' Spouses' Club for 34 enjoyable years. She maintained her membership in the Tinker Spouses' Club from 1957 -2009 - over 52 years. She was a member of Meadowood Baptist Church in Midwest City. She was a life- long, staunch Democrat, even when it was not popular! Through all her years on this green earth she had laughter and joy. And she always danced! Her choice to follow Christ created a beautiful light-filled spirit. She was an inspiration of love to all who knew her, especially those in her family. Her friendships were long-time, close and loved. Berniece was adored by her family and friends. She was an extraordinary woman, filled with strength, compassion, determination and kindness. That love and devotion came back to her tenfold through the three generations she inspired and leaves behind. She was loved by so many more. Love is her legacy. Her family was her passion. She lived a charmed, elegant, beautiful life, driven by a loving, compassionate spirit. Above all, she focused her love, energy and adoration on her two daughters and their families. She doted on us and was the model of unconditional love until the end of her days. Some of our grandest and most cherished memories were spent with Mema and Pop, playing or working in the back yard together or enjoying one of her fantastic meals while watching OU football. It didn't matter what we were doing, we just wanted to be there as long as Mema and Pop were there too. She leaves behind her two adoring daughters, Chaniece Harkey and Keene Isaac and Keene's husband Don; four grandchildren, Steven Harkey, Ronna West Cross, Kristin Lam and her husband Kyle; Scott Isaac and his wife Kim; five great-grandchildren, Kennedy Cross (her namesake) , London Cross, K.C. Lam and Kabron Lam and Chloe Isaac. Special people in her life who she will deeply miss are Keith Simpson and Vieve and Ziah Kennedy. She leaves behind one sister, JoAnn Capps, of Pauls Valley, Ok. Her brother Erselee Scruggs, awaits her in heaven, along with the love of her life Charles Kennedy, and her parents CC and Louisa Scruggs. It seems impossible that Mema is no longer with us. Her love and light inspired us and we will hold her dear in our hearts forever. We are so very blessed to have the love, compassion and caring that she showered on every day of our lives. She may no longer be with us physically, but she is guiding us and living in our hearts, just as we knew she would. As the matriarch of our family, she carefully watched over her flock. As her children, we stand and praise her. Her memories will be honored and cherished until we see her again in heaven. Her elegant, loving life will be celebrated at the Meadowood Baptist Church in Midwest City on Thursday, September 24 at 11 AM. Burial will be at Arlington Memorial Gardens following the service. The family shares its deepest heartfelt thanks and praise for Berniece's caregiver and 'Sweet Angel,' Ms. Keely C. Smith from Care Plus Home Health whose love, tenderness and compassion far exceeded our hopes and expectations. We also want to thank the Excell Hospice Staff for their outstanding nursing services and care. Dr. Grace Ruidera, lovingly cared for her for many years. Her empathy was always with us. We thank her for her graciousness and compassion. We pay tribute to this charmed, loving woman, without whom, none us would be here today. We praise this one person in our lives and hearts who will always be here as our dearest Mema.