Brenda Ann Kennedy, 73, passed away at the Manila Nursing Center on October 26, 2026. She was born in West Paragould on July 20, 1953, to the late Marchel and Louise Kennedy. In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her daughter, Rebecca Findley; her brothers, M.L. and Robert Kennedy; and her sister, Evelyn Duffel.

Brenda was born and raised in Northeast Arkansas and spent most of her life in Jonesboro. When her second daughter was in the fourth grade, she decided to return to school to become a nurse. Brenda graduated from Arkansas State University with a nursing degree and later earned her APN. Her 30+ year nursing career took her from St. Bernards in Jonesboro to traveling across Eastern Arkansas as an APN. Outside of work, Brenda enjoyed cross-stitch and reading anything she could get her hands on. Most importantly, Brenda loved her family, especially her grandchildren. The joy her family brought her was unmatched, and she will be greatly missed.

Brenda is survived by her daughter, Tonya McNeese (Michael), of Jonesboro; her brothers, Donnie and Tommy Kennedy, both of Jonesboro; her sisters, Teresa Kennedy of Paragould and Debbie Morlen of Jonesboro; her grandchildren, Brenna McNeese of Paragould, Hunter Liles (Julia) of Jonesboro, Briana McNeese of Mountain Home, and Ashlyn Kennedy McNeese of Jonesboro; and her great-grandchildren, Remi and Rowyn Vannada.

A funeral service will be held at 10:00 am on Saturday, October 31, 2026, at Emerson Funeral Home, with Wade Stark officiating. A visitation will be held from 9:00 am to 10:00 am. Burial will follow at Pine Log Cemetery.

Pallbearers are Mike McNeese, Hunter Liles, John Owens, Kale Owens, and Tyler Morlen. Honorary Pallbearers are Donnie Kennedy and Tommy Kennedy.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the following organizations:

The Learning Center

Or

Breast Cancer Research Foundation