Kathryn Nelle Kennedy Ward

Nelle Kennedy Ward, age 105, of Sweetwater, widow of A.C. Ward, passed away Monday, February 12, 2018, at Sweetwater Hospital. She was born July 30, 1912, to James Lafayette “Fate” and Mary Effie Simpson Kennedy, of the Sewee Community, North West McMinn County, TN. The oldest of five children, Nelle grew up on her parent’s farm in the Sewee Community amid nearby farms of generations of paternal and maternal relatives. She graduated from Sewee public school, Sewee Community, and Tennessee Wesleyan Preparatory High School and Junior College, Athens. She was a classroom teacher and principal in rural McMinn County Schools. Nelle was a member of Sewee Church. Among her activities were: Sewee Church Missionary Society and Sunday School teacher; Regent of Rhea-Craig Chapter, Tennessee Society NSDAR and a Cherokee District Director; President of Sweetwater Home Demonstration Club, President of Monroe County Home Demonstration Club County Council, and bookkeeper for her husband’s businesses. Nelle’s life has been characterized by focus on her faith, family, many interests, and a persevering spirit. Reading, needle work, gardening, family history, and sightseeing trips are among interests she has cultivated through the years. In small and in larger ways, her kind and giving spirit has made enriching contributions to the communities in which she has lived. Preceded in death by her husband: A.C. Ward; parents: James Lafayette “Fate” and Mary Effie Simpson Kennedy; three brothers: Howard, Ben and Bruce Kennedy; sister: Mary Faye Kennedy Griswold; granddaughter, Lisa Daun Sliger; and daughter, Alma Ward Sliger. Survivors are daughter: Marilyn Ward; grandchildren: Randall W. Sliger, Melissa S. (Camden) Sutherland, and Emilee S. (Dr. Steven) Elliott; great grandsons: Garrett Grizzle and Ethan Barrett; several nephews, nieces, and cousins. The family will receive friends at Kyker Funeral Homes on Saturday, February 17, 2018, from 11 A.M. until 1 P.M. with the funeral service to follow in Kyker’s Chapel at 1 P.M. with Rev. Linda Parton and Dr. Dale Kennedy officiating. A graveside service and interment will follow the funeral service at the West View Cemetery. Pall Bearers will be: Jeff Cunningham, Timothy Griswold, Garrett Grizzle, Camden Sutherland, Clayton Thompson, and Keith Thompson. Honorary Pall Bearers will be: Arrants Kennedy and Jack Kennedy.

Kathryn Nelle Kennedy Ward

July 30, 1912 - February 12, 2018