Delinda "Pudgie" Kennedy

Delinda “Pudgie” Kennedy, born May 14, 1957, passed away on March 19, 2025, after a courageous three-year battle with cancer. She was born into a loving family as the second youngest of six siblings to Charles and Pepper Loftis. As the smallest in the family, her father affectionately gave her the nickname “Pudgie,” a name that stayed with her throughout her life.

A graduate of Ashland High School, Pudgie furthered her education at the Dale Roy School, where she developed a passion for working with individuals with disabilities. She went on to work as a lab assistant at Archway Cookies, demonstrating her strong work ethic and dedication to helping others.

In 1985, she married Paul A. Kennedy of Albany, GA, and together they built a life full of service and faith. Their journey took them to Leavenworth, KS, where Pudgie taught children’s Sunday School at Leavenworth Baptist Church. Later, after relocating to Oxford, AL, she continued her ministry as a Vacation Bible School teacher at Parker Memorial Baptist Church.

Pudgie and her family eventually settled in Conyers, GA, where she dedicated herself to her children’s education and community. She volunteered at her daughters’ school as a room mother and later became PTA president at Sims Elementary School. During her tenure, she initiated a program that allowed each child to become a published author, giving them the opportunity to write and illustrate their own hardback books—an experience that left a lasting impact on many young lives.

Her commitment to service extended to her church communities. At Haven Fellowship Church in Conyers, she served as a member of the pastoral care committee. At Trinity Baptist Church, she contributed to the decorations committee, assisted with the food pantry, and participated in the Family Promise program, helping families in need.

Beyond her dedication to serving others, Pudgie was also known for her exceptional cooking. Whether preparing meals for family, friends, or church events, she found joy in bringing people together through food. Her talents in the kitchen were recognized when one of her dessert recipes was included in the Blue Willow Inn Cookbook, a beloved collection of Southern recipes. Her warm, homemade dishes were more than just meals—they were a reflection of her love and generosity.

Pudgie had a compassionate heart, always seeking ways to support individuals with disabilities and those experiencing homelessness. She dedicated her life to improving the lives of others and was known for greeting everyone with a warm smile. Her kindness, generosity, and unwavering faith will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

She is survived by her loving husband, Paul A. Kennedy; her daughters, Kelly (Jelon) Leigh Kennedy-Dixon and Jenny Nicole Kennedy; two sisters, Diana “Kay” Marble and Dena (Jim) Chance, all of Ashland; a brother, Charles “Charlie” (Laurie) Loftis, Jr.; and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Gladys N. “Pepper” Perryman Loftis, and father, Charles Loftis; her sisters, Donna Loftis and Deborah Fay Sheriff; her paternal grandparents, William and Wilma Loftis; and her maternal grandparents, Bunk and Jessie Perryman.

Pudgie’s legacy of love, service, and faith will continue to inspire those who knew her. She will be deeply missed but forever cherished in the hearts of her family and friends.

Services:

Family visitation will be held on Saturday, March 22, 2025, at 10:00 AM, followed by the funeral service at 11:00 AM at Caldwell & Cowan Funeral Home, located at 1215 Access Road, Covington, Georgia 30014.

A graveside committal service will take place immediately after the funeral at Eastview Cemetery, 1127 Eastview Rd NE, Conyers, GA 30012.

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to the American Cancer Society in Pudgie’s memory, honoring her strength, resilience, and the fight against cancer.