Iris (Oxendine) Kennedy

Iris Grey Oxendine Tyndall Kennedy, (Queen Iris), 87, of 902 E. Balsey St., Clinton went to her heavenly home on Saturday, June 7, 2025, at home with her family by her side. Iris was a special soul who is truly loved and will be missed.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, June 12, at 5:30 PM at Clinton Pentecostal Holiness Church Sanctuary, 1901 Sunset Ave., Clinton, with Rev. Mark Fields, Rev. Dwayne Dunning, and Rev. Ken White officiating. The family will receive friends following the service in the sanctuary and at other times at the home. Graveside services will be held Friday, June 13, at 12:00 PM at Calvary Tabernacle P.F.W.B. Church Cemetery, 6570 High House Rd., Salemburg.

Born on August 25, 1937, in Henderson, NC., Iris was the daughter of the late Jasper M. and Alma C. Roberson Oxendine.  Upon leaving Henderson the family moved to Newport News, VA., and after a brief stay when Iris was in the second grade her family moved to Clinton. She was member of Clinton Pentecostal Holiness Church and has attended since she was a teenager.  Some of her ministries included teaching the Primary Class, Junior Girls Class, Nursery and she also served as W.A. group leader, W.A. President , W.A. Secretary, and group secretary.  Iris enjoyed singing in the choir for many years.  As you can tell by her servant hood she loved her Jesus.

Iris worked for Hamilton Beach for 28 years and Alcatel for eight years until her retirement. She attended Sampson Community College where she received her GED with 2 other generations in her family.  Iris also attended horticulture classes where she learned to plant beautiful flower gardens.

She is survived by her daughter, Gail Gautier of Clinton; two sons: Gary F. Tyndall and Anthony J. “Tony” Tyndall both of Clinton; sister: Donna O. Pitkanen of Arnold, MO.; granddaughter, Susan G. Vinson (J.W.); grandson, Jonathon M. Gautier; two great-grandchildren, Aaron Sessoms and Kennedy Grace Vinson; step-granddaughter, Samatha F. Owens; step-grandson, Jonathan G. Knowles (Ashley) and Hannah & Isaiah; one step-great-grandson, Nicholas Gage Owens (Kristen) and Kinslee, sisters-in-law, Shirley Kennedy and Lou Cox (Gary), and several nieces and nephews.  

In addition to her parents, Iris was preceded in death by her husbands B.F. Tyndall, Jr and Phillip Maxton Kennedy; two sisters: Norma J. Best, and Joyce Tew Goding; brother, Benny E. Oxendine; and daughter-in-law, Donna Lynn Tyndall.

The family would like to extend a “heart felt thanks” to everyone for all the prayers, visits, and for loving her.  

Special thanks to Gentiva Hospice, Amanda Wright & Katlyn Guy for the special care you gave our loved one.

In memory of Iris, the family would like for everyone to wear bright colors and pick a flower from their garden (if possible) to bring to the service.  We will have a special place to put them.

Condolences may be sent by visiting www.royalhallfuneralhome.com

Royal-Hall is honored to serve the Kennedy family.

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