Iris “Jewell” Kennedy passed peacefully into eternal rest on June 7, 2026, at the age of 92. She was born in Pembroke, Georgia, on March 8, 1934, to Roy Williamson and Rubye Wester Williamson. She was a lifelong resident of Pembroke. She was a 1951 graduate of Bryan County High School where her passion during her high school years was her courtship with Billy, home demonstration club and playing basketball.

Jewell was preceded in death by her devoted husband, Bernard Lane (Billy) Kennedy and her parents. In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved granddaughter, Jessica Diane Ennis, and her siblings, Grace Williamson Waters, Jean Williamson Bacon, Robert D. Williamson and Harry L. Williamson.

Left to cherish a lifetime of precious memories are her children, Diane Ennis (Jerry), Richard Kennedy (Sharon), and Pamela Miller, all of Pembroke. Affectionately known as Mema, she will forever be missed by her loving grandchildren, Gini Lea Ennis, Ricky Kennedy (Stacy), Neill Kennedy (Brittney), Justin Miller (Brandi), Jeremy Ennis, and Keith Shabi. She was also blessed with great grandchildren, Madison, Neil, Jr., Cyrus, Luna, Sophie and Waylon. She is also survived by her sisters-in-law Geraldine Williamson, Bonita Futch and Elizabeth Williamson as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Jewell met the love of her life, Billy, at a young age, beginning their courtship in the 7th grade. They married on August 28, 1953 at the Pembroke Christian Church, and enjoyed 72 happy years of marriage before he went to his heavenly home with Jesus on April 21, 2026.

Jewell worked as an operator at the Southern Bell Telephone Company, a secretary for the Bryan County Sheriff’s Office and an accomplished entrepreneur for Tupperware.

She was a proud member of the Pembroke Christian Church, the Christian Women's Fellowship, The Carrie Bell Home Demonstration Club, and The Ann Judson Circle Woman's Missionary Society.

Jewell took great pride in being a homemaker and raising her children and grandchildren. She enjoyed gospel music and supported her husband Billy, who was a proud member of The Friendly Five Quartet and The Gospel Carriers. She and her husband also enjoyed camping with their friends, attending Bluegrass Festivals and watching Nascar races. She was a virtuous woman of devout faith who spent her entire life serving the Lord by supporting her loving husband as well as her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren in all of their endeavors.

Visitation will be held at Flanders Powell Funeral Home in Pembroke, Georgia, on Wednesday, June 10, 2026 from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

Following visitation, family and friends are invited to gather in the Chapel at the Flanders Powell Funeral Home in honor of Jewell's life and rejoice in the presence of the Lord.

Interment will follow at Northside Cemetery in Pembroke, Georgia.

The family is grateful for every expression of sympathy; however, they suggest that in memory of Jewell, memorial contributions may be made to a charity of your choice.

Flanders Powell Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements for Iris “Jewell” Kennedy.