Marilyn Charles Kennedy-Thomas

Called by the Lord, Monday, May 16, 2016, Marilyn Charles Kennedy (aka “Pepper”), was born in Denver Colorado on January 3, 1950 to elated parents Marinello Jean Jackson and Robert Charles Kennedy. Marilyn grew up in Northeast Denver off of 32nd and High Street with younger brother John W. Williams and younger sister Via B. Mariney. She attended Gilpin, Wyatt and Mitchell Elementary as a kid and later Cole Junior High and Manual High School. She went on to earn her Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education working with Children with special needs, and later in life, retired a Certified Nursing Assistant where people immediately liked and trusted her in this field. Even as a youth, Marilyn always had a heart for the “under dog”, and befriended those, others ignored. She was a strong, feisty woman and a fierce friend. Loyal to all she called family or friend, she was an inspiration to all who had the pleasure of knowing her. She loved reading, planting & gardening, playing dominoes & cards and spending time with family and friends. She is survived by her 4 children: Deborah Dawn Smith, Deanna Lynn Smith, Kenneth Wayne Kennedy and Danaa Letrice Kennedy; 4 Grandchildren: Keenan Smith, Lakeisha Kennedy, Anyssa Martinez and Aubree Miller; 1 Great Aunt CarrieAnn Mason; 1 Uncle Robert Norris and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins in Texas! Per her wish, her memorial service will be a small gathering of family only, but the girls are hosting a memorial BBQ for close friends of the family on Saturday, May 28th in City Park. If you are a true family friend attending the BBQ on Saturday, please bring a dish to share.