Elizabeth Kennedy-Ellis

Dear John,

We were always so close, with our different personalities. John I loved being your twin, your younger sister, even though I was neither, but people always thought I was. You were always there for me, checking on me, writing letters to me when I was out of state, and I loved receiving them. You had beautiful penmanship. I would sit and read your letter repeatedly. John you knew you could count on me on sharing the word of God and His love with you, and I could count on your strength and guidance, your encouragement and your daily scriptures. I was very sensitive as I was growing up, you sat me down one day and talked to me about that, and if I ever got off track, you would ask me, what you crying about. I would wipe my face and get stronger, and I learned to take the situation to God in prayer and leave it there. I will miss your tenacity, persistency, and dedication, your fight for what is right and fare, your love, your God-given smile, and your beautiful eyes that changed colors depending on what you were wearing, I will miss you sending us sibling’s snapshots of your travels, you made us feel like we were there with you. I asked you about the countries you visited most and you said, “Germany and China”, then I asked what are your favorite cities and countries; you said “New York, Washington D.C. Paris and Dakar-Plateau, Senegal.”

John, I remember, when mom and dad sent you to look for me in Las Vegas when I performed with my dance group, and I found out by others that you were living large ordering food in your room. I just knew you were going to get in trouble with dad when we got home. I heard dad laughed when he got the news and said my boy, Hmh Hmh. I was just amazed. John you were always did things in style, impeccable taste and a wonderful host. I can go on and on about you my brother.

I will miss you so much, Johnny, you fought a good fight, you finished your course and you kept the faith.

2 Timothy 4:7

Love you, Elizabeth (Lizzy) your big sister

Faye Gilbert-Kennedy

Sister-in-Law

My name is Faye Gilbert-Kennedy. John was my dear brother-in-law for 34 years. I was married to his brother Michael Thomas Kennedy until his death May 9, 2012. I always admired John for his blessed achievements, assertiveness with reaching his goals and purpose in life, which God ordained. Although we didn’t see each other often we would always keep in touch by text. John was a God fearing individual and what I miss the most is his consistency with sending me morning biblical words and verses from the bible. John rest in Jesus until we see you again. I will always think of you and love you!