I have fought the good fight; I have finished my course. I have kept the faith; henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me on that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love His appearing. 2 Timothy 4:7-8

Vergia Lee Kennedy was a devoted wife, mother, grand and great-grandmother, daughter, sister, aunt, cousin and friend. Her unwavering love for her family stood up to all challenges without defeat. She was born to the late Lonnie and Gladys Ray on July 29, 1039, in Roxie, MS where she discovered her love for the Lord at an early age.

When Vergia moved to Gulfport, that love for Christ led her to Ebenezer Baptist Church under the leadership and guidance of the late Reverend Brown. Through the years the pastors and congregation of Ebenezer became a large part of her family and everyday life.

Her first job in Gulfport was at Gulfport Laundry where she was a hard worker for three years. During that time, she met her late husband, JL Kennedy. After birthing four children and being a stay-at-home Mom, she reentered the workforce working at Keesler Field and from there to the HeadStart  Program and Harrison County School District until her retirement. With kids growing up and having lots of free time she opened an in-home snowball, freeze cups and candy shop for a few years.

On June 26, 2025, Vergia departed this life to be present with the Lord. She is preceded in death by her husband, John Earl Kennedy, her parents, Lonnie and Glady Ray, brother, Walter and sister, Christine Taylor.

Verga leaves to cherish her loving memories, sons, Keith (Angela)Lorenzo Kennedy, Anthony (Katrina)Roderick Kennedy; daughters, Sonja (Timothy) Miranda Kennedy Jones, and Shakira (Jeremy) Monique Lott, all of Gulfport, Mississippi. She was affectionally known by her grand/great grand kids as "Granny Verg" who are also left to cherish her loving memories, Charitte (Steve), Jamaro, DeRon, Anthony, Jr., Alleric, Natalya, Invie, Meagan, Romey and John Anthony; Great-Grands, Enrique, Elijah, Faith, Arabella, Caleb and Paisley; sisters, Lucille Ray, Billie Jean Ray, Lonne Belle Robinson, Velma Broussard, Joise Pittman, all of Gulfport, Mississippi; aunt, Mattie West of Port Gibson, Mississippi, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.