Ne[lda Martin Kennedy, 96, of the Sewee Community near Niota, passed away peacefully at her home on, Wednesday, February 26, 2014.
A McMinn County native, she was the daughter of the late Luther C. Martin, Sr., and Lula McAmis Martin. She was preceded in death by her husband of fifty-six years, J. Bruce Kennedy, son-in-law, D.B. "Ted" Pless;
step-mother, Ollie Showalter Martin; brother L.C. Martin, Jr; and infant sister Lula B. Martin.
She attended Union Grove School before moving to Akron, Ohio, for a few years where she graduated from East High School.
She was the second oldest member of the Sewee Church of God where she had served faithfully for many years. In her younger years she had served as Union Grove PTA President, a 4-H volunteer leader, and took an active role in church activities and UT Agricultural Extension. She was formerly employed as a bookkeeper for Athens Stockyard as well as a homemaker, mother and farmer's wife.
In addition to being an excellent cook, seamstress, gardener, and lover of animals, she possessed the gift of southern hospitality as she always made everyone feel welcome at her table and in her home.
Survivors include one daughter, Winona Kennedy Pless of Niota; one granddaughter, Julia L. Pless, of Athens;two sisters-in-laws, Nelle K. Ward of Sweetwater, and Jo Ann L. Martin of Weyers Cave, Virginia; special great-niece, Claire Harris Harper of Knoxville, several nieces and nephews, numerous friends and neighbors, and surrogate family Mike, Sherry and Nathan Pitcock.
The family will receive friends from 1 to 3 pm, Saturday, March 1, 2014 at Smith Funeral Home. The funeral service will follow in the chapel of Smith Funeral Home with Rev. D.C. Kirk and Rev. Linda Parton officiating.
The committal service will follow in Sewee Cemetery.
Pallbearers will be Mike Pitcock, Nathan Pitcock, Keith Thompson, Mike Martin, Sam Martin and Ed Kyker. Honorary pallbearers will be Jack Kennedy, Arrants Kennedy, Vearl Kennedy, Melvin Harper and Lee McAmis.
The family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Sewee Church of God Permanent Cemetery Fund, at 426 CR 225, Niota, TN 37826 or the charity of your choice.

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