Lucille McChristian Kennedy

Lucille McChristian Kennedy was born May 12, 1925 in Japton, Arkansas, third child of Oma and Isaac McChristian. She was one of four girls born in a one bedroom cabin that her grandparents had homesteaded. Her childhood was spent in play with her three sisters, Lorene, Mildred and Pansy; and cousins, Lois and Bessie. Her parents farmed so Lucille spent many hours helping with the farm animals, or gardening with her mom, and managing food stored in the root cellar. School was not her favorite thing. She never owned a store-bought doll, but had many homemade ones out of corn cobs. She had a big swing in the tree in their front yard. They lived without electricity and indoor plumbing. Their community was small with the church as the community center and so family, friends and church became Lucille’s life-force. In 1944 she went with Lorene and Mildred and several girlfriends to live in Kansas City to work at a wartime factory. It was a time she would always remember fondly. When the war ended and soldiers returned home, Lucille met George Richard Kennedy on leave in Kansas City. It was a whirlwind romance and they were married several months later. They moved to Omak, Washington where lumberjack work was available, and their son Rick was born. After moving back to Arkansas for schooling, daughter Jeanne was born. They then moved to Oregon, where they would make their home for the next 54 years, it was here that son, Stan came along, and finally, daughter, Teresa. Lucille was a great cook, even though she denied it. Her southern fried chicken was amazing, her chicken & dumplings delicious, her biscuits and gravy the best ever, her mashed potatoes melt-in-your mouth! Her favorite Bible verse was John 14:1-6, her favorite was hymn “I’ll Fly Away”, her favorite flower was geranium. She was an excellent gardener. Life certainly flies by when you’re having fun, and Lucille and George celebrated 57 years of marriage 5 months before George went to be with the Lord. Lucille survived him by eight years and they were not easy years. She battled memory issues and heart weakness. She outlived her sisters and many friends. She had several broken bones which contributed to immobility, but her strong will forced her on. She willed herself to remain until she had seen her sons one last time and then she left us. As sad as that leaves us, we feel there is an amazing reunion taking place in heaven. The family would like to thank the caregivers at Tanner Springs Memory Care Unit. You guys are heroes and your compassion unending. You are simply, the best! Arrangements by Autumn Funerals, Cremation & Burial, Tigard, Oregon.