John Kennedy: musician, mentor, believer

John Wesley Kennedy was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, veteran, musician, and law enforcement officer. John passed away peacefully from complications of COPD on April 23, 2023, surrounded by family.

In keeping with his final wishes, John wanted his friends and family to celebrate his life, not mourn his passing. He was a brother in Christ to the members of the Smithfield Free Will Baptist Church. One of the missions of the church was to support the Igreja Batista Livre Esperança (The Hope Church) as well as the Escola Internacional

Esperança (The Hope International School). Because John saw his wife support her classroom out of her own pocket, supporting The Hope International School was an important part of his faith and obedience to God.

If you will be unable to attend his Celebration of Life and would like to make a contribution to help support the school, please give whatever amount you are led to give. Every dollar donated will be given to the school to help not only with the day-to-day operations but to help spread the gospel of Jesus Christ.