Mrs. Willie M. Alexander Kennedy, Esq., was born on May 21, 1939, and departed this life on July 21, 2026. She was a distinguished professional whose remarkable career spanned healthcare, education, law, and philanthropy — a dedicated leader and trailblazer whose contributions touched her community and beyond through her professional expertise, tireless commitment, and service.

She was married to the late Charlie L. Kennedy, M.D., with whom she shared a profound dedication to philanthropy and education. To this union three children were born: Douglas, a meteorologist; Stacy, a medical doctor; and the late Daryl Kennedy, an attorney.

Mrs. Kennedy began her academic journey at Wittenberg University in Springfield, Ohio, before earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Meharry Medical College in Nashville, Tennessee. She went on to earn her Juris Doctor from the Wake Forest School of Law and a Master’s degree in Sociology from the Wake Forest University School of Sociology. Her professional career included impactful roles at Meharry Medical College Hospital, Kate Bitting Reynolds Memorial Hospital, and Winston-Salem State University’s School of Nursing, where she served a total of seven years.

Following her work in healthcare and academia, Mrs. Kennedy pursued a legal career, joining the esteemed firm of Kennedy, Kennedy & Kennedy & Kennedy Law Office upon completing law school. Her entrepreneurial spirit later led her to establish her own law practice, faithfully serving the Winston-Salem community until her retirement.

A lifelong advocate for civic engagement and professional development, Mrs. Kennedy was a member of the North Carolina Nurses Association, where she served as Chief Fundraiser, raising substantial funds for the Association’s treatment programs. She presented numerous seminars and lectures on the intersection of medical and legal issues in nursing.

A devoted member of United Metropolitan Missionary Baptist Church, Mrs. Kennedy served on the Special Needs Committee, helping local citizens in need. Alongside her late husband, she helped raise over $2 million for the United Negro College Fund (UNCF), personally contributing more than $500,000 of their own funds. Together, they founded The Kennedy Society, the first organized leadership giving group of individuals within UNCF, with a minimum contribution of $1,000 per person.

Her philanthropic legacy includes endowing a scholarship in memory of her brother-in-law, John Kennedy, in the Fine Arts Department at Johnson C. Smith University, as well as establishing, with her husband, an endowed $250,000 scholarship at the university. She also annually donated a major gift of $10,000 to Meharry Medical College.

Mrs. Kennedy held national and local leadership roles in the National Women of Achievement serving as the National Attorney for many years and serving as Regional Director and President of the Winston-Salem Chapter. She also served as lead advisor for the Youth Achievers, guiding the group in making annual contributions to UNCF and visits to HBCU campuses. She was a member of the National Council of Negro Women.

For their long-standing service to UNCF and HBCUs, Mrs. Kennedy and her late husband were recognized in New York by UNCF President William H. Gray, III, with the President’s Trumpet Award, honoring their philanthropy and transformative service to HBCUs — including annually hosting the Kennedy Evening of Elegance at their home to benefit UNCF. Her enduring contributions have left a lasting impact on education, healthcare, and social justice, embodying a life of purpose, generosity, and leadership.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Surie Sr. and Ada Williams Alexander; her husband, Charlie L. Kennedy, M.D.; her son, Daryl Kennedy; and her sisters, Clara Underwood, Lizzie Hepburn, and Marion (Paulette) Taylor.

She leaves to cherish her memory her daughter, Stacy Kennedy, M.D. of Concord, North Carolina; her son, Douglas Kennedy of Duluth, Minnesota; her siblings, Surie Jr., Deloris, Charles, and Michael Alexander; her great aunt, Laura Jenkins; her nieces, Brenda, Marilyn, and Kaysheila; and a host of other loving relatives and friends.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00am Friday, July 31, 2026 at United Metropolitan Missionary Baptist Church. Interment will follow in Evergreen Cemetery. The family visitation and viewing will be held from 10:00am until 11:00am on Friday at the Church.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) www.uncf.org/charlotte. Enter Willie Mae Kennedy under the honor or memorial gift section.