Carolyne Singleton Kennedy's Obituary
"Though nothing can bring back the hour, of splendor in the grass, of glory in the flower, we grieve not, rather find strength in what remains behind....."
-William Wordsworth
Ode on intimations of immortality from recollections of early childhood
Carolyne Singleton Kennedy was born on January 10, 1940, in Pittsburg, Camp County, Texas. She lived a full and colorful life marked by curiosity, independence, intelligence, and a deep love for her family. Carolyne was a bright student and natural leader. She attended Maple Lawn Elementary, Rusk Junior High, and North Dallas High School, graduating in 1958. During her school years, she was a cheerleader in both junior high and high school, a member of the National Honor Society, served on the Student Council, was Homeroom President, and was voted “Viking Personality.” These early years reflected the confidence, determination, and warmth that would remain with her throughout her life.
Her professional life was devoted to helping others through her work in the medical field. Carolyne worked as a laboratory technician at Parkland Memorial Hospital in the Hematology Department and later at Children's Medical Center in the Chemistry Lab. She also worked alongside physicians in the allergy field in Texas, Georgia, and Oregon, where she prepared patient antigens with great care and precision. This nurturing spirit extended well beyond Carolyne's employers. She eventually wore multiple caregiving hats when family members in need were experiencing difficult times. She gave of her personal time and energy freely without expectation.
Carolyne was first married to Dewey Lee Davis, and they had one daughter together, Deborah Darlene Davis. In 1964, Carolyne married Edward Lee Kennedy III, and together they had two children of their own, a son Edward Lee Kennedy IV, and a daughter Kimberly Brooks Kennedy. Together they raised all three children. Ed and Carolyne most recently celebrated sixty beautiful years as loving spouses.
Because of Ed's career, the family lived in many places over the years, including Atlanta, Georgia; Eugene and Portland, Oregon; Dublin, Ohio; Parker, Colorado; and eventually settled and retired in Southlake, Texas. No matter where their relocations landed them, Carolyne was known for hosting beautiful celebrations. In particular, and worthy of mention, was her “Morning After New Year's Brunch,” which she served Texas-style. Guests always looked forward to ham, black-eyed peas, cornbread, green chili casserole, grits, biscuits and gravy, and sopapilla cake. Along that vein, Carolyne was also famous for making the most appealing tray of nachos, which she crafted with the most skilled precision.
While Carolyne lovingly embraced each new chapter, the beauty of the Oregon coast held a special place in her heart. The peacefulness of the morning sunrise and the evening sunset over the ocean brought her soul comfort.
During her time in Colorado, Carolyne discovered an untapped love for the game of golf that quickly became a lifelong passion. Her competitive spirit coupled with her graciousness toward fellow teammates made for precious memories that will live on.
Later in life, Carolyne poured her energy into genealogy, carefully researching and preserving family history. This body of work reflected her deep love for family and her desire to honor those who came before her, ensuring their stories would not be forgotten.
Some of Carolyne's most cherished memories were from summers spent with her grandparents in the country running barefoot in the East Texas sand, working the fields, riding horses, fishing, shooting, and enjoying the freedom of outdoor life. Those experiences shaped her independent spirit, strong work ethic, and appreciation for life's simple joys.
Carolyne also had an eye for design, balance, and color and was quite the artist in her own right. Her homes were always impeccably decorated, and her yards and gardens, with Ed's support, were carefully planted, pruned, and full of gorgeous plant life.
Everyone who knew Carolyne is aware of her love of all her cats, but they may not realize that she also took great joy in watching other wildlife “little critters” that visited outside her windows and patios, especially the squirrels, bunnies, and birds she observed in her final days.
Over the course of time, Carolyne collected many different things given to her by her ancestors or discovered while scouring antique shops. She always took pride in showing guests the importance of each tiny object and telling stories of how these treasures came to be so cherished.
Carolyne will be remembered for her sharp mind, strong will, physical beauty, and devotion to those she loved. She was resilient, capable, and deeply loyal, and she leaves behind a legacy of love, memories, and family history carefully preserved for future generations.
We take comfort in knowing that Carolyne is now at peace, resting in the presence of her Lord and Savior. Scripture reminds us, “Well done, good and faithful servant…enter into the joy of your Lord” (Matthew 25:23). Though we grieve her passing, we rejoice in the hope of eternal life and trust that she is whole, healed, and reunited with loved ones who went before her.
Carolyne is preceded in death by her parents, Bernie Wilburne Singleton and Loneta Caroline Slack Singleton; her sister, Juanalyne Singleton Williams; and her grandson, Jeffrey Dylan.
She is survived by her husband, Edward Lee Kennedy III of Southlake, Texas; daughter, Deborah Darlene Davis Flowers with husband Vance Flowers of Mullin, Texas; daughter, Kimberly Brooks Kennedy of Southlake, Texas; and son, Edward Lee Kennedy IV with wife Renee Kennedy of Milton, Georgia; granddaughters Tarah Shannon Sweet with husband Josh Sweet of Bremerton, Washington; Mikaela Erin Bingle with husband David Bingle of Waynesville, Ohio; Sabra Rhea Ward with husband Michael Ward of San Saba, Texas; Katherine Vogel with husband Tristan Vogel of Duluth, Georgia; grandsons Edward Lee Kennedy V with wife Melanie Kennedy of Westlake, Florida; Duke Kennedy of Conway, Arkansas; Blaze Kennedy and Jet Kennedy of West Point, New York; great-grandsons Broden Bingle with wife Alyssa of San Angelo, Texas; Benton Bingle of Waynesville, Ohio; Wyatt Ward and Corbin Ward of San Saba, Texas; and Vance Sweet of Bremerton, Washington; great-granddaughters Brynlee Sweet and Charlotte Sweet of Bremerton, Washington; Paisley Ward of San Saba, Texas; and Rylee Kennedy of Westlake, Florida.
May she forever live in the hearts and minds of all whom Carolyne’s spirit touched. We love you so very much.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (https://alzfdn.org/donate/)
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