Irene Bates Kennedy

December 5, 1937 - January 22, 2024

Irene Bates Kennedy of Pharview Drive in Ocean Isle Beach, N.C. passed on January 22, 2024, at Mcleod Seacoast Hospital in Little River, S.C. She was born on December 5, 1937, in the Rondo community of Pittsylvania County, VA. She was a daughter of the late Albert Ree Bates and Annie Myers Bates.

She had been a resident of Ocean Isle Beach, N.C. since 1998 where she enjoyed puzzles, flower gardening, yardwork, and the beach.

She was predeceased by her husbands, Allen Kendrick, Larry Tuggle, and Neil Kennedy; sons, Terry Allen Kendrick, Derwood Dean Kendrick, & Jerry Green Kendrick; granddaughter, Cynthia Kendrick Haywood; and a brother, Carroll William Bates.

She is survived by her son, Desmond Jerry Kendrick of Martinsville, VA.; grandsons, Christopher Kendrick and Devon Kendrick of Ocean Isle Beach, N.C.; granddaughter, Stephanie Kendrick of Collinsville, VA; four great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild. Also surviving are her brothers, Leonard Bates, Henry Bates, Junior Bates and sister, Betty Blankenship, all of Axton, VA.

A graveside service will be held Tuesday, January 30, 2024, at 11 a.m. at Roselawn Burial Park with Pastor Jody Pollard officiating.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Dyers Store Fire Department, 3230 Chatham Rd., Martinsville, VA 24112, or a charity of your choice.

Norris Funeral Services will be handling the arrangements for the Kennedy family. Online condolences can be made at norrisfuneral.com