Patsy (Smith) Pope Kennedy

Roseboro
Patsy Smith Pope Kennedy passed away peacefully on January 12, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.  Patsy, the youngest child of Milton Abner Smith Sr. and Myrtle Madeline Eubanks Smith, was born on August 29, 1939, in Swan Quarter, NC. 

Patsy had two sons, Jeffrey Kirk Pope and Timothy Jason Pope, who she loved dearly. She also had three stepsons, Darrell, Mark, and Walt, who added so much joy to her life. 

In 1975, she married Clinton Mayor, Aaron Emsley Kennedy, Jr. and they embarked on a series of adventures until his passing in 2012.  They traveled all over the United States and while Patsy never loved flying, she did love the destinations. Patsy enjoyed golfing and many who knew her in her golfing days will fondly remember her on the course of Coharie Country Club barefoot with club in hand. Patsy always said golfing barefoot made her a better (and more comfortable) player. 

Patsy was a Registered Nurse who worked for many years caring for the sick and mentoring many of her nursing colleagues, until her retirement. Patsy loved her career in nursing, and it was apparent, as she enriched the lives of many throughout her career. 

She is preceded in death by her loving husband, A. E. Kennedy, Jr., her parents, Milton and Madeline Smith, her sister, Martha Ann Hobbs, and a stepson, Aaron Emsley Kennedy, III.  She is survived by her brother, Milton Abner Smith, Jr. (Judy), her sons: Kirk Pope (Joy), Tim Pope (Vicki), Darrell Pope (Wanda), Mark Pope (Teri), Walt Pope (Carol), numerous grandchildren: Jeffrey Pope (Jesslyn), Madeline Fetterman (Trey), Abbie Pope, Samantha Faison (Wyman), Dennis Pope (Lori), Justin Pope, Joshua Pope, and Jordan Pope (Kimberly). She is also survived by several great grandchildren: Cameron, Cason, Chandler, Ayala, Brennan, Teagan, Jaxon, Jensen, Cash, and Cain Pope.

Additionally, she is survived by several nieces and nephews: Milton Smith III (Regina), Sarah Welliver (Chris), Matthew Smith, Laura Lutz (John), Ann Cover (Robert), Alden Hobbs (Karen), and many great-nieces and nephews.  

Patsy will be dearly missed. It is difficult to capture all her accomplishments and love in one single writing, but if you asked those who loved her most, a few words that come to mind when they think of Patsy are: determined, hardworking, sassy (in the best way), kind, loving, selfless and relatable. Our world will be a little less bright without her, but she lives on through her family and friends. Until we meet again and bid farewell in true Patsy fashion, we can say, she loved this life, and she did it her way.

The family would like to thank all those who have brought food, shared condolences, and provided support in many ways. A graveside service will be held Wednesday, January 15, at 2 PM at Clinton Cemetery with Rev. Katie Rives officiating. The family will receive friends following the service at the home of her son, Tim Pope, at 306 Sprunt Drive, Clinton. 

Condolences may be sent by visiting www.royalhallfuneralhome.com

Royal-Hall is honored to serve the Kennedy & Pope Families.

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