Brenda “B.J.” Kennedy Obituary, Death – At the age of 83, Brenda Jane “B.J.” Kennedy, who resided in Floyd, Virginia, passed away in a calm and peaceful manner on Sunday, March 31, 2024. The daughter of William Bernard, Sr. and Margaret Alma (Spruill) Turner, she was born on January 10, 1941 in Portsmouth, Virginia. Her parents were William Bernard and Margaret Alma.
She was a member of the Class of 1959 at Woodrow Wilson High School, which was located in Portsmouth, Virginia. B.J. was a tough cookie who had a fiery personality and a large heart. She was a difficult gal. She utilized her ferocious disposition throughout the several occupations that she pursued throughout her entire life.
During her early adulthood, she worked as a reporter and photographer for a magazine that covered the southern racing circuit. She was one of the first women to compete at that level, and she even had the opportunity to race Richard Petty’s car. She was a co-owner of a photography studio and camera shop, where she earned accolades on a local and state-wide level, as well as prestige and reputation. She was also responsible for creating images that will last a lifetime at weddings and a variety of professional sporting events.
She was a founder member of the JEB Stuart Rescue Squad in Patrick County, Virginia, and furthered her role as a pioneer by recognizing a need and contributing to the establishment of the squad. After that, she became one of the first women to work as a firefighter at the Radford Army Ammunition Plant, which is located in Radford, Virginia.
In addition to her devoted husband of 53 years, John (Doc) Kennedy Jr., she is survived by her children. Her brother, Bill Turner, and Cindy, who is married to him; Her children, Cynthia Kennedy, Sandra Hawkins and her husband David, Sr., and James Kennedy and his wife Michelle, as well as her five grandchildren, are as follows:
