Sarah Young Kennedy

Sarah Young Kennedy, 85, passed away on Thursday, July 23, 2020, from complications related to her hard-fought battle with congestive heart failure. She is survived by her loving husband of over 65 years, Jim; her daughter Karen and son-in-law Walter Rutledge of Albuquerque, NM; two grandchildren, Jeremy Rutledge of Albuquerque, and Diana Rutledge Thibado and husband Jason Thibado of Seattle; one great-grandson who was the light of her life, Sebastian (Bash) Oliver Rutledge Thibado; brother William Edward Young and wife Margie Gamble Young; numerous beloved nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews; and extended family members who supported her in times of need. She was preceded in death by her parents, Arthur Irving Young and Roberta Snow Young, and twin sisters Evelyn Young (Charles) Grammar and Elaine Young (Bill) Hosmer. Born on April 9, 1935, in Searles, Alabama, she lived most of her life in the nearby community of Abernant, surrounded by family. During the 1980’s, she and Jim briefly lived in Houston and Dallas, Texas, but her heart remained firmly planted in Abernant. In her active years, she was a vibrant member of her community. She attended Abernant Baptist Church and loved to travel to nearby communities to hear gospels sung at what she referred to as “old-time singings.” Over the decades she provided care for many family members, including her beloved mother. Those who knew our “Nonny” will miss her laugh, her stories, her feisty character and her delicious home-cooked food. Even in her later years, if you stopped by “Aunt Sarah's” house she would always insist on getting you a plate. Visitation will be Tuesday, July 28, from 10 am – 11am at Bessemer Brown Service Funeral Home. A graveside service will follow at 11:30 am at Cedar Hill Cemetery in Bessemer with Brother Roasco Kornegay officiating. Active pallbearers will be Jeremy Rutledge, C.A. Squires, Terry Hosmer, Bryan Kennedy, Robert Kennedy, Steven Bonner, Brooks Foster and Jakob Knight. Honorary Pallbearers will be her caregivers from Amedisys Home Health of Brent and those from A Touch of Love Adult Care and Amedisys Hospice Tuscaloosa who brightened her day and helped her care for our “Pop.” At both the indoor visitation and graveside service, we will observe the Alabama State Health Officer Order which includes wearing a mask and maintaining a six-foot social distance safeguard for the health of family and friends. A memorial service will be held at a future date once it is safe to do so.

Sarah Young Kennedy

April 9, 1935 - July 23, 2020