Dorothy Faye Kennedy

Services for Dorothy Faye Kennedy, 87, of Tyler, will be held on Thursday, July 17, 2014 at 10:00 AM at Stewart Family Funeral Home with Don Cantor officiating. Burial will follow at Whitehouse Cemetery in Whitehouse under the direction of Stewart Family Funeral Home. Dorothy Faye Kennedy was born September 27, 1926 and passed from this life into the arms of Jesus on July 14, 2014. She was born in the small community of Arch, New Mexico to W.D and Ola Pearl Pate. She grew up in Portales, New Mexico. As a girl Dorothy was very involved in 4H where she won numerous awards including trips to Chicago and Washington DC. She later went on to earn a college scholarship through her accomplishments. She attended Abilene Christian College and also Eastern New Mexico college where she studied homemaking. On February 17, 1947 Dorothy married John Wallace "Buster" Knox. Together they had 2 sons, John Wallace and William Hugh. In 1952 Buster was stricken with polio and passed away. Eight years later God blessed Dorothy with a husband and a father for her two young sons who he would love as his own. Dorothy and Sam were married on December 31, 1959. Together they had Karen Cheri and Debra Rene. Dorothy and Sam would eventually settle in Denver where they lived for the next 38 years. Sam was a private pilot and the two of them enjoyed traveling all over the United States by his small plane. They also traveled abroad including Europe, Brazil and Hong Kong. A majority of Dorothy and Sam's time and efforts were spent serving their Lord at the Bear Valley Church of Christ where they were both very active and effective in serving others. Dorothy became an online instructor for the World Bible School. This would become one of her greatest blessings as she taught numerous people from all over the world of God's love. She invested much time with her students and developed close relationships. In 2006 Dorothy and Sam moved to Tyler, Texas where Sam passed away on June 22, 2007. Dorothy spent her years in Tyler as a member of the West Erwin Church of Christ. She continued to travel, create a beautiful home and most importantly continued to be the amazing example to her family of what God considers a life well lived. Her faith in The Lord, her love for her family, and her gentle and joyful spirit defined the beautiful lady that Dorothy was until the very end. Although small in stature she will leave a huge hole in the life of all who knew her. Dorothy is preceded in death by husband Buster Knox, husband Samuel Kennedy, son Bill Knox, and son John Knox. Dorothy is survived by children Judy Knox, Ruth Knox, Rick and Karen Fedell, Harry and Debbie Hayes, grandchildren Jason Knox, Nicole Knox, Rosie Knox, Russell Fedell, Cody Fedell, Payton Fedell, Tanner Fedell, Kenzie Fedell, Sydney Hayes, Charlie Hayes, and two great grandchildren. Dorothy is also survived by her sister Evelyn Wright. Visitation is scheduled from 5:00 to 7:00 PM on Wednesday, July 16, 2014 at Stewart Family Funeral Home, 7525 Old Jacksonville Highway, in Tyler. The family would like to thank Dr. Jetter and her staff as well as Hospice of East Texas.

Dorothy Faye Kennedy

September 27, 1926 - July 14, 2014