Mary Kennedy

Mary K. Brooks Kennedy

Mary K. Brooks Kennedy, 80, died Tuesday, June 1, 2004, at a Topeka hospital. She was born June 5, 1923, in Lynchburg, Va., to William and Mary Lerner Roberson. She married Howard Brook Sr. on Oct. 12, 1940. He preceded her in death. She also was preceded in death by a daughter and a son. She later married Francis Kennedy in August of 1969. He survives, of the home. Mrs. Kennedy and her husband owned and operated D and M and Topeka Carnival Supply. She was a member of the Lutheran Church. Survivors include a daughter, Linda Copeland, Perry; three sons, Howard Brooks Jr., Topeka, Richard Brooks, Grantville, and Raymond Brooks, Perry; two stepdaughters, Candy Parsons, Alma, and Crystal Beckwith, Topeka; a stepson, George Hayes, Perry; three brothers, Hollis and Howard "Sug" Roberson, both in Virginia, and W.K. "Junior" Roberson, Ozawkie; three sisters, Helen Jamerson, Nita Mason and Ann Marsh, all of Virginia; 12 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; thr ee great-great-grandchildren; 11 stepgrandchildren; and 14 stepgreat-grandchildren. Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. Friday at Penwell-Gabel Parker-Price Chapel in North Topeka. Mary will lie in state after 3 p.m. Thursday at the funeral chapel, where the family will receive friends from 7 to 8 p.m.