KENNEDY

Ila Daisy (Atkins) Kennedy, age 101, of London, passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 25, 2026, in London Health and Rehabilitation. Born on May 23, 1924, in Beards Fork, West Virginia, Ila was a daughter of Hamilton “Ham” Atkins and Mary (Fury) Atkins.

She spent many years as a beloved first-grade teacher for St. Francis de Sales Schools in Beckley, West Virginia, where she nurtured generations of young learners with patience, warmth, and endless patience. Her classroom always remained a place of encouragement and care as she took great pride in helping children take their first steps in education.

Ila formerly attended the First Presbyterian Church of London for many years where she found deep joy in her faith and church community.

She will forever be fondly remembered for her generous heart, her love of learning, and the many lives she left her mark on for her remarkable 101 years.

Ila is survived by her son David (Ruth) Kennedy IV and daughter Kathleen (Tony) Lusher; granddaughters Laura Patrick, Kirstin Patrick, and Jacqueline Burton; great-granddaughter Suzanna. She was preceded in death by her parents Ham and Mary; beloved husband Theodore Patton Kennedy Sr.; son Theodore Patton Kennedy Jr., daughter Theodora Patrick; grandson David Kennedy V; seven sisters and three brothers.

Private entombment in the Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens Mausoleum, Beckley, West Virginia, will be held at the convenience of the family.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the EBERLE-FISHER FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATORY, 103 North Main Street, London, where online condolences for the family are encouraged to be shared at www.eberlefisherfuneralhome.com.