Joanne Dickey Kennedy

Joanne Dickey Kennedy, loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and aunt, and long-time resident of Grapeland, and later, Lufkin, Texas, peacefully passed away on January 2, 2026, with family members by her side. Joanne was born in Spur, Texas, on January 21st, 1929, to Thomas H. Dickey and Lois Ward Dickey. The family moved to Houston, then Brenham, and finally to Crockett, Texas, where Joanne entered high school as a sophomore. After graduation, she attended Sam Houston State Teachers’ College (later called Sam Houston State University) where she met John W. Kennedy, Jr, home from Saipan in the Western Pacific during World War II, when they by chance ended up in the same carpool attending college in Huntsville. John and Joanne were married in Crockett on December 21, 1947, and moved to Dallas, Texas, while John was attending Baylor Dental School. After John’s graduation, he and Joanne moved to Grapeland, where John took over his “Uncle Mal” Kennedy’s dental practice. John and Joanne were very active in their community and attended, whenever possible, all of their three children’s, Beth, John Thomas, and June, activities, primarily sporting events. Through the years, Joanne served as President of the Grapeland PTA, President of VFW Auxiliary 5870, and became a member of Eastern Star #120. She was an excellent cook, an avid reader and bridge player, a friend to animals (particularly dogs and birds), and an outstanding seamstress, knitter, and quilter, making everything from Christmas stockings, to her children’s clothing, to beautiful, cherished quilts for her children and grandchildren. Joanne’s quilting career culminated in her winning a first prize at the Houston International Quilt Festival for her quilt entitled “Little Boy Blue,” which she designed herself. Her quilts and other creations will be handed down in the family from one generation to another. After John retired from dentistry, he and Joanne moved to Lufkin to be near their son, John, and daughter-in-law, Connie and grandson, Jack. Joanne made many new friends in Lufkin, and became involved in several bridge groups. After John’s death in 2005, Joanne became very active with bridge, and later mahjong, traveled with her friends, took care of her beloved dogs Blue, Mandy, and Miss Pity Pat, fed the birds, and spent time with her family. Twenty years passed, and Joanne then moved to Houston in 2022 to live with her daughters, Beth and then June. She enjoyed being near her great grandchildren, and enjoyed good health until shortly before her passing. Joanne is survived by daughter Beth Kennedy (Paul Beddingfield) of Houston; son John Kennedy (Connie) of Lufkin; daughter June Benesante (Mike) of Houston; four grandchildren: Joanna Marroquin (Robert) of New Orleans; Michael Benestante (Laura Brown) of Luanda, Angola; Jack Kennedy (Lindsay) of Lufkin; and Abigail Uriegas (Jacob) of Houston; brother in law, James Kennedy of Grapeland; four nephews: Sammy Kennedy (Liz) of Whitehouse, Tx., Rick Dixon (Ann) of Whitehouse; Gary Dixon (Beth) of Leawood, KS, and Jimmie Kennedy (Lori) of Lumberton, Tx.; one niece, Sherri Kennedy of Whitehouse; cousin Chuck Kennedy (Debbie) of Crockett; eight great grandchildren: Stella, Lillian, and Jacob Uriegas; Wyatt, Theodore, and Charlie Marroquin; and Malcolm and Zelda Benestante. Joanne is preceded in death by her husband, John; brother-in-law Sam Kennedy and wife Gloria; sister-in-law Mary Kennedy; and nephew Michael Kennedy. Pallbearers will be Jack Kennedy, Michael Benestante, Jake Uriegas, Paul Beddingfield, Mike Benestante and Robert Marroquin. In lieu of flowers, anyone wishing to donate in Joanne’s memory, please consider an animal shelter or organization of your choice, or Christ Congregational Church of Lufkin at 105 Saddle Creek Drive, Lufkin, Texas 75901. The family also wishes to thank Enhabit Hospice of The Woodlands, Lauren, Rosalind, Monica, Greg, Paula and Janet, for their compassionate help and support during our mom’s passing. Graveside services will be held Sunday, January 4, 2026 at 3:00 PM at Augusta Cemetery in Grapeland, Texas.

Joanne Dickey Kennedy

January 21, 1929 - January 2, 2026