[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 149 (Tuesday, November 27, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1803]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                IN MEMORY OF DAISY LEA ALEXANDER KENNEDY

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. ALCEE L. HASTINGS

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, November 27, 2012

  Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 
life of Daisy Lea Alexander Kennedy, the beloved wife of my dearest 
friend and Chief of Staff, Arthur ``Art'' W. Kennedy. Sadly, she passed 
away on November 21 2012. I am truly blessed to have known Daisy and my 
thoughts and prayers go out to Art, his family, and friends during this 
most difficult time.
  Daisy was a loving wife and mother, a lifelong educator and mentor, 
and an active member of her community. Born on October 3, 1932 in 
Evergreen, Alabama to the late Delilah and Richard Alexander, she was 
the youngest of five children. At an early age, the family moved to 
Pensacola, Florida. Daisy was educated in the Escambia County Public 
School System and graduated from Booker T. Washington High School. She 
went on to attend Florida A&M University (FAMU), where she received 
both her undergraduate and graduate degrees.
  With a great passion for teaching and mentoring, Daisy worked 
tirelessly for 37 years in the Broward County Public School System. She 
also played a critical role in her grandchildren's education, teaching 
them important skills such as writing, reading, and math.
  Furthermore, Daisy was a faithful member of First Baptist Church 
Piney Grove since 1956. She sang soprano in the choir, started the 
noonday bible study, and held several leadership positions. These 
included being the first chairperson of the church directory, a past 
president of the Pastor's Aide, a former Sunday School Superintendent, 
a member of the hospitality committee, and an active member of the 
Missionary Circle of Mary of Bethany.
  In addition, Daisy was a highly respected and admired member of the 
community, dedicating her time to numerous organizations. She was a 
strong supporter of the FAMU Alumni Association, the Golden Heights 
Neighborhood Association, the Kappa Silhouettes, and the Retired 
Teachers' Association.
  On July 8, 1984, Daisy was united in holy matrimony to Art Kennedy. 
With this union came seven children, eighteen grandchildren, and nine 
great-grandchildren, plus one on the way.
  Daisy leaves to cherish her wonderful memory a loving and devoted 
husband, Art; her children, Sharon Telfer of Winter Haven, Florida; 
Lennard Robinson, Sr. of Plantation, Florida; Janice (Jerome) Boger of 
Conyers, Georgia; Michael Bruce (Joyce Marie) Kennedy of Miramar, 
Florida; Vikki Johnson of New Carrollton, Maryland; Arthur (Yolanda) 
Kennedy of Fort Lauderdale, Florida; and Jill Kennedy of Plantation, 
Florida; her grandchildren, Patrick, Shante, Shannon, Daima, Danielle 
(Marcus), Trawick, Kendall, Bryce, David (Amanda), Kasey Korey, Kiara, 
Daniel, Lennard, Moriah, Marion, Rico, Alex, and Tyler; her great-
grandchildren, Marcus, Kamari, Lauren, Elijah, Ayden, Cameryn, 
Khambrea, King, and Kennedy; two brothers, Henderson Alexander and 
William Crosby; one sister, Alberta Lewis; a host of nieces, nephews, 
and cousins; her goddaughter, Deetra Durham; two very special friends, 
Mary Ellen Sands and Jackie Hall; and countless others.
  Mr. Speaker, for those of us whose lives she touched, Daisy Kennedy 
will always have a special place in our hearts. She will be remembered 
fondly and dearly missed.

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