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Obituary For Joseph Paul Kennebrew
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.
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Bruc Hudson sent Peace & Serenity Dishgarden for Joseph Paul Kennebrew - August 17, 2024
We are praying for peace and comfort for the Kennebrew family as they mourn the loss of their loved one. Bruce and Marilyn Hudson.
Janice Tittle Menuel sent Simply Elegant Spathiphyllum for Joseph Paul Kennebrew - August 15, 2024
With Deepest Sympathy, from Janice Tittle Menuel and family
John ST. Clair sent Peace & Serenity Dishgarden for Joseph Paul Kennebrew - August 13, 2024
Through the morning and the memories, the heartbreak and the healing. Love and Faith is what gets us through. Our deepest sympathy is sent to the Kennebrew family. Love John and Roseanne St. Clair
Angela sent Heavenly Grace Spray for Joseph Paul Kennebrew - August 13, 2024
To my beloved late sister's husband. Joseph, May you rest in eternal peace. Your loving sister in law Oretha Mitchell and family.
Blessings Bouquet was sent for Joseph Paul Kennebrew - August 13, 2024
Brenda Brown sent Peace & Serenity Dishgarden for Joseph Paul Kennebrew - August 13, 2024
Our sincere condolences to this family! So sorry for your loss. Love and prayers, Class of 1971
Dorothy Washington sent The Peace Lily for Joseph Paul Kennebrew - August 12, 2024
Our deepest condolence goes out to you and your family during this time. You all are every in our thoughts and prayers. From: Keith and Dorothy Rivers
Michelle Brooks planted 5 trees in memory of Joseph Paul Kennebrew . - August 15, 2024
To the Kennebrew's family; i am so sorry for your loss, may God be your comforter during this time of bereavement.
To my dearest Uncle Joe. I will miss our lively talks of current events, presidential elections, and sports. Your memories of my mother (Margaret) that you both had shared growing up in Hamilton with me I will cherish.You have been like a Father towards me my Husband and children. You had an amazing way of Kindness, Caring and Loving, thanks to your Family for sharing their Dad! Love you always your niece Krystal, nephew Richard, great niece Brittany, great nephew Richard Zachary. May you Rest In Eternal Peace!
My Sincere Condolences to the Family.
My deepest sympathy to you Delora and the Kennebrew family for the loss of your dad, Joseph Paul Kennebrew. From Janice Tittle Menuel
To Doris Dortch and her entire family my sincere condolences to you all. I pray that God will continue blessing you with nothing but loving memories. God bless each of you. Love you from Linda, Jitana and Hassan Newark, NJ.
Our deepest condolences to the Kennebrew Family. May God strengthen you at this difficult time.
Paul and Nancy Fisher Roseboro, North Carolina
Our deepest condolences to the Kennebrew Family.
Our hearts and prayers and deepest condolences are with you. Cousin Kraig Morgan and family
Our condolences go out to Lawrence and Kim with the passing of Mr Joseph Kennebrew
Our condolences go out to Lawrence and Kim with the passing of Mr Joseph Kennebrew
Sending my deepest condolences and prayers strength, comfort, and peace to the Kennebrew family.
Matthew 5:4: "Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
Sending Love from The Aidoo Family Cynthia, Josiah, and Jonathan
Praying for God's Grace and Mercy to comfort you along with love of family and friendsas you celebrate the Blessed Life and Legacy of Mr. Kennebrew
Mr. Kennebrew was a great leader, educator, and to us, a loving and caring friend. To know him was to love him. May God bless his family! Leon, Annette and Aleka Jones
To Doris Dortch and her entire family my sincere condolences to you all. I pray that God will continue blessing you with nothing but loving memories. God bless each of you.
My deepest condolences to the Kennebrew family.
Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.
