JOLENE KENNEDY

Jolene Kennedy was born in Chattanooga, Tennessee on November 8, 1943, and passed away on April 24, 2026, at the age of 82.

Jolene's parents, Hollis Robinson and Theola Lee Holt Robinson, and her brother, Robbie Robinson, moved to California in 1946.

Jolene married her high school sweetheart, Lloyd E. Kennedy, Jr., who was the Executive Director of the Fresno Convention Center and Visitors Bureau. They were married for 47 years.

She was a gold medalist roller skater, and with her husband Lloyd, owned, operated, and taught skating at the Circle K Skate Ranch roller rink in the 1970s. Along with Lloyd and his brothers, the family proudly hosted the Kennedy Cup Classic hockey tournament.

Jolene was first runner-up to Miss Fresno County in 1963 and was the owner of Jolene Kennedy Modeling Co. during the 1960s and 70s.

Jolene was also a minister for over 40 years and was the founder of Jolene Kennedy Ministries. She was the host of her own weekly TV show on CW for over six years, a radio host for over seven years, and an associate pastor for more than four years.

She was an active member of Women's Aglow International for more than 30 years, preached at Women's International New Life for Girls for over 25 years helping disadvantaged girls and women, and was a Fresno Rescue Mission Women's Fundraising Guild member for over two years.

Jolene was the author of The Art of Becoming: Who We Are in Christ.

Jolene was preceded in death by her parents, Hollis Robinson and Theola Lee Holt Robinson; her husband Lloyd E. Kennedy, Jr.; and her grandson, Carson Kennedy.

Jolene is survived by her two children, son David Douglas Kennedy and his wife Cindy Wathen-Kennedy, and daughter, Shurene LaVawn Gomez and Joe Gomez; her five grandchildren, Kyla Kennedy, Cole Kennedy, Hudson Kennedy, Sinead Gomez, and Sinclaire Gomez; her brother Robbie Robinson and his wife Pamela Morgan, a niece, Victoria Robinson, and nephew, Tim Robinson.

A graveside memorial service will be held at Clovis Cemetery on May 12, 2026, at 11 a.m. with a celebration of life to follow at Sequoia Brewing Company on Champlain Avenue from 12-2 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to Women's Aglow International.