Hancock County Honoring 105-Year-Old Woman

SPARTA, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – One Hancock County who turned 105 recently, is being celebrated by her community for all of her years of service.

“I always wanted to be a school teacher.”

It’s a mentality that’s driven Mrs. Jamie Kennedy for her entire adult life.

41NBC sat down with her inside of her Sparta home, where she remains upbeat and lively, but still needs help getting around.

Kennedy is a woman that’s motivated by service.

Because of racial segregation, her home was a boarding house for black students who lived in rural areas of Hancock County and wanted to go to the nearby high school.

“I contacted people, I asked God to lead me. I ended up trying to help them individually,” Kennedy said.

Her relationship with her community led her here to St. Mark AME church, where she, along with other church members, helped restore the sanctuary.

Growing up in South Georgia, Kennedy had a farm where she raised her children and taught them, and also showed them the value of hard work.

“We are the helping, leading Kennedys, reaching out to whatever is out there. That’s what we are,” Kennedy said.

Her son, Sherard, says her helpful spirit was instilled in them at an early age.

“As Booker T. Washington use to say the life of service is the life that counts. That happiness endured from mankind when it comes from having help lift burdens of others. She has tried to help lift the burdens of others,” Sherard Kennedy, said.

Another thing Mrs. Kennedy was known for was her piano lessons she held for 40 years.

Her love of music, teaching, and service inspires hundreds and her years of work in Hancock County, is that’ll be remember for years to come.

Mrs. Kennedy has 6 children, 10 grandchildren, 10 great grand children and one great great grand child.

A ceremony for Mrs. Kennedy honoring her years of service is this Saturday at her home, where she’ll also have a street dedicated in her honor.