Saundra Maria Kennon

Saundra Maria bounced into the lives and arms of Hazel L. and Eddie P. Jackson on January 26, 1951 in Chicago, Illinois. The First born child of this union, the true "Apple" of their eye. Saundra adapted well to being loved on as the first child. Always easy going, she would spend her life sharing her love with her three younger siblings and serving as a mentor to many.
Saundra's walk in faith began early and is the first place to begin in an attempt to capture her essence. She was baptized at Metropolitan Community Church and attended Corpus Christi Catholic School where she was also baptized and confirmed. Eventually Saundra united with the New Hope Christian Bible Church ministry under the leadership of Pastor Carmen Mitchell. While there, Saundra was a dedicated member. She contributed to her church every week and her husband served on the Board of Trustees and as a Deacon. Saundra's commitment to the Lord dictated her commitment to her husband and family. As a woman of faith, she understood what it meant to dedicate her life to the teachings of the Lord.
Saundra attended DuSable & Central Y High School. After graduation, she left Chicago and took her boundless compassion to the road. She successfully sold books for the Southwestern Book Company, one of the largest book publishing companies at the time, and traveled to countless American cities. Saundra was independent and her explorer spirit ensured that by her 21st birthday, she had already traveled the world. But no matter how far her travels took her, Saundra never lost sight of home. In fact, it was her wandering spirit that led her to a love that would redefine home.
One day during Saundra's travels, a young sailor noticed a beautiful, young woman (affectionately known as "Slim" because of her statuesque figure) and the rest is history. Terrence L. Kennon Sr. and Saundra united in holy matrimony on August 7, 1971 in Chicago. Terrence had to be a special man because Saundra was a Daddy's girl. Mr. Jackson knew the gift of his daughter's love and made Terrence promise he would not take her away, even if the United States Navy stationed him outside of the Chicago area. He won full approval from Mr. Jackson and kept his promise, even when it meant he had to secure a military leave before meeting his newborn twins.
Saundra and Terrence experienced the blessing of birthing a daughter and a son on June 7, 1972. Immediately, Saundra began bragging about how they were "one and done!" Blessed with two healthy babies known as "Pooh aka as Twinkle and Speedy". Tamara Kennon and Terrence Kennon Jr., "The Twins" were the pride and joy of her life.
Saundra was no stranger to hard work and always did what she needed to do for her family. A true "Proverbs 31" woman, she simultaneously held down family obligations and managed great responsibility over the course of her career at Brinks Security Inc. before eventually retiring in 1995. Her family wanted for nothing spiritually or materially.
Very simply, Saundra was the best Daughter, Mother, Sister, Grandma, Auntie, Cousin, Godmother, Friend and Confidant. You could always count on her honesty and support the moment it was needed. Her Grandson Evan named her "Sweetness" and her granddaughter Ava lovingly called her "Best-est Girlfriend." Whether you knew her as "Slim," "Sweetness," or "Best-est Girlfriend," you knew Saundra as love itself. You also probably knew how quickly she'd get you straight the second you overstepped a boundary!
Saundra loved to dance and had amazing dance skills. She and her love would occasionally break out and start "stepping" while cooking up a feast. Her kitchen was a place of joy and her food kept full bellies and smiling faces to any one that dropped in.
Her humility and welcoming way, not to mention her winning smile, attracted any one she came in contact with. There was never a kinder, gentler or more courteous spirit than Saundra. Generous, giving and always polite. You were sure to always receive a melodic "Please and Thank You". You never entered a room without her greeting you, seeing you, and asking about you. Her love and civility was never contingent on another person's behavior. It was unconditional love, authentic and genuine. A Natural Woman!
Saundra loved life. She believed that you had to do what you needed to do to make the best of the cards that you were dealt and did just that. Saundra approached life with a priority to live her best life, as if it were golden, even when the road was dark. She would often say "It is what it is" and "So be it," phrases that demonstrate her fortitude, wisdom, and patience. She was not afraid to face her homecoming and her tremendous faith allowed her to embrace and appreciate the cards that God dealt her. The Lord favored Saundra. She was chosen to show others how to trust God even when you can't trace him. Saundra lived a great life that allowed her to make huge deposits. She made no complaints but impacted everyone who witnessed her long journey. We are all better because she was a part of our lives.
Saundra leaves a legacy of love that will never cease. She can now reunite with the love of her life Terrence L. Kennon Sr., her Father Eddie P. Jackson, Sister Valerie N. Jackson and Brother in Love Melvin Drake who preceded her in death. She is survived by her loving 91 year old mother, Hazel L. Jackson, Goodlettsville, TN; The Loves of her life; her devoted children Tamara L. Kennon Nanton (Lawrence); Terrence L. Kennon Jr., Bonus Son Eric Johnson (Stephanie). Two grandchildren, who she adored Evan Leighton Kennon and Ava Noelle Kennon. Her siblings, Brother Eddie C. Jackson (Mechelle), Chicago, IL; Baby Sister Norma J. Drake, Goodlettsville, TN. Nephews and Niece, Eric P. Drake, Atlanta, GA; Erin D. Drake, Chicago, IL; and David McNeil, Chicago, IL. Cousins, Zenda Barnes (Johnnie), Conyers, GA; Cassandra Patterson, Dallas, TX; Don Curby, St Louis, MO.; Raymond (Norma) Curby, Atlanta, GA.; Godchildren: Leah Jackson, Chicago, IL.; Khai Moore, Dallas, TX.; Jahdiel Smith, Dallas, TX.; Longtime Friends and Confidants: Earlline Davis, Linda Williams, Darlene Smith, Joanne Donald, Barbara Lawrence, Jonnitta Pleasant, Charlene Johnson, the Leggs family and a host of relatives, extended family and friends.
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