Marla Sue (Tarrance) Kennedy

Marla Sue Kennedy, 61, of Patton, passed away on February 21, 2026, surrounded by her loved ones. She was born on August 2, 1964, to Gilbert and Carol Tarrance, in St. Louis, Missouri. 
Marla married the love of her life, Jerry Kennedy, on November 21, 1986, at their home. Together they built a beautiful life and raised two wonderful children, Cody and Kelsey, who were her pride and joy. Marla treasured time with her family and often had them alongside her working in her beloved flowerbeds. 

Known to so many simply as “Mrs. Kennedy,” she dedicated nearly 20 years to shaping young minds and touching countless lives through her gift of teaching. She spent six years teaching at Delta Schools before continuing her career at Meadow Heights, where she taught for 14 years until retiring. Her classroom was a place of encouragement, laughter and learning.  Her warm smile was a delight to all who knew her, and she truly never met a stranger. She will be remembered for her kindness, her dedication to her students, and the deep love she had for her family. Her legacy lives on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her.
She was a member of Liberty Methodist Church.

She is survived by her husband: Jerry Kennedy; mother: Carol Tarrance; son: Cody (Bailey) Kennedy; daughter: Kelsey (Chon) Montano; grandchildren: Parker and Liam Kennedy, Grayson and Jasper Montano. She was preceded in death by her father: Gilbert Tarrance. 
 
Pallbearers will be Kenny Harwell, Jimmy Harwell, Wayne Hopewell, Rick McMillian, Justin O’neal and Chon Montano. 
 
Services will be held at the Hutchings-Pendergrass Funeral Chapel in Marble Hill. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, from 5:00 to 8:00 pm. Funeral Service will begin at 10:00 am, on Thursday, February 26. 2026, with Bro. Jamie Hovis officiating. Burial will follow at Liberty Cemetery, near Marquand.