PUBLIC VISITATION: Friday, August 16, 2024

Time: 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Terry Family Funeral Home Chapel

145 North College Street

Hamilton, Georgia 31811

FUNERAL SERVICE: Saturday, August 17, 2024

Time: 11:00 AM

Friendship Baptist Church

101 Friendship Street

Hamilton, Georgia 31811

COMMITTAL:

Friendship Memorial Garden

OBITUARY:

On Tuesday, August 6, 2024, Joseph Paul "Joe" Kennebrew entered into eternal rest in the embrace of his family in Stockbridge, Georgia.

Joseph Kennebrew was born on April 20, 1927, in Hamilton, Georgia. A man of faith and service, Joe Kennebrew found salvation at an early age at the Friendship Baptist Church in Hamilton under the Pastorship of Reverend S.A. Harvey. He served his hometown church family and community as a dedicated Deacon, member and Assistant Church Clerk for many years, a testament to his unwavering commitment to his Savior. When he journeyed to Atlanta, Georgia to make his new home, his spiritual dedication also found a new home in the Greater Travelers Rest Baptist Church in Decatur, where he was honored with the title of Deacon Emeritus.

For over thirty-five years, Joe sowed seeds of knowledge as an educator and imparted his wisdom to four generations of children in the Harris County community. From the halls of Dunbar Elementary in Pine Mountain to his career beginnings in Whitesville, Georgia, Joseph Kennebrew taught more than schoolwork, he gave life lessons to everyone who crossed his path as a Principal, a Teacher, a Coach and a Counselor.

Joseph Kennebrew came by his dedication to education honestly—he matriculated at Florida A&M University, Fort Valley State University, and Clark-Atlanta University. He was the first of his siblings to attend college and he paid it forward by assisting and encouraging his younger siblings to do so. In a historical stride forward, he was elected the first Black Coroner in his home county. His presence was also felt on many influential boards, such as the Harris County Library Board and Hamilton’s First Union Bank Board of Directors. For many years, he was the only black member of both of those organizations. Through his involvement with the Harris County Teachers Corps and the founding of the KENNEBREW Media Center at the former Harris County Middle School, Joe has left an educational legacy that will continue to inspire future generations.

His tireless efforts extended beyond his profession, as he was a brother of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity beginning in the year 1963, championing community welfare and service to others.

Joe ascends to the heavens, preceding him were his eleven siblings, his loving parents Sylvester Kennebrew, Sr. and Johnnie Mae Kennebrew, and his cherished spouses, Juanita Kennebrew and Essie Kennebrew, who have all laid the path before him.

He leaves behind a family rich in love and influence, including his children: Brenda Fisher, Joseph Kennebrew, Delora Kennebrew, Lawrence Kennebrew (Kim), and Tamara St. Clair (Charles). His bountiful lineage also encompasses six grandchildren: Brian Kennebrew (Kara), Danielle Fisher, Al Jerry-Marcus Fisher, Jonathan Kennebrew (Liana), Ashley Grantham and Ronald Buncombe. His four great-grandchildren, Hunter, Harper, Niyah and Kleio Kennebrew are each a reflection of his grace and virtue. Joe’s loving sister, Doris Dortch, celebrates his memory as well as his two sisters-in-law, Patricia Kennebrew and Oretha Mitchell. “Uncle Joe” is survived by his numerous nieces and nephews, all of whom he loved dearly. He acted as a surrogate father to many of them and they were devoted to him as well. Joe is also survived by a host of cousins, friends and other relatives.

Love abounds with those who love the Lord. Dad received caregiving from three very committed and self-less family members. His sons, Lawrence and Joe, met Dad’s physical, emotional and material needs with love, patience and understanding. Dad’s daughter-in-love, Kim, took care of her Papa Joe’s mental, spiritual and physical well-being with love and compassion. The family would like to thank the caregivers, nurses, doctors and health care professionals of Ennoble Hospice for the care and dignity that they showed during his last period of confinement and during his transition. His personal caregivers were the embodiment of commitment to his comfort and each formed a personal connection with him.

In honoring the life of Joseph Paul "Joe" Kennebrew, we lay to rest a monumental figure. He navigated life's journey with integrity, compassion, and an unwavering compass of faith. His memory shall be eternally preserved within the hearts he touched and the communities he served. Rest in God's perfect peace, Joe.