Obituary
Thelma Jean Kendrick

December 8, 1946 – November 27, 2022 Jean Kendrick passed to her heavenly home on November 27th after a brief illness. Jean lived every day of her life on this earth in preparation for her arrival in heaven. While on earth, she loved life, but lived in the sure assurance that the best home was to come after her life here ended. If you met her, you knew her. She had the kindest, most loving heart, the best smile, and the greatest hugs of anyone on this earth. And if you met her, you probably got one of those hugs – whether you just met her or had known her for years. Jean will be remembered for so many things – her smile was contagious and a permanent fixture on her sweet face. She loved life and found good in everything. Family and friends alike will certainly miss her for so many things. Her smile, her quick wit, her loving heart, her hugs… there are just too many things to name. She was definitely one of a kind and she left a huge mark on all that she loved and who loved her right back. Jean was born in Gaston County and graduated from Dallas High School and Gaston College. She lived in Wilmington, NC until she became ill and then lived with caring family in Rocky Mount until her death. Her niece and nephew, Howard and Jennifer Kendrick opened their home to Jean and cared for her during her illness. Howard and Jennifer, along with their children and other family members and friends, were such blessings to Jean during her illness. She is survived by a brother, Allen Kendrick (Becky) of Oneida Kentucky. Her surviving family includes nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, cousins, and friends who adored her and who she adored in return. Jean was preceded in death by her parents, John Howard (Stokes) Kendrick and Italyne (Lena) Haselden Kendrick, brothers, John Alfred Kendrick of Jacksonville, FL, Howard Kendrick, and her sister in love, Howard’s loving wife, Myrna of Rocky Mount, NC. Family and friends will forever share special stories of their time with Jean. We will laugh, and cry, and smile through tears as we remember special times with Jean. There are just so many wonderful stories to share. While we miss her beyond measure, we celebrate knowing that she is celebrating in her heavenly home with those who passed before her. We live in confidence that we will see her again and be greeted with a special hug! A celebration of Jean’s life will be held at Harbor United Methodist Church, 4853 Masonboro Loop Road in Wilmington, NC on January 21st at 1:00 p.m. The service will be live streamed for those who cannot travel to attend the celebration. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a donation to a charity or special need of your choice in memory of Jean.