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Jan. 10, 1935 – Sept. 9, 2024

NATCHEZ – Zelma Rea Blackwell Kennon passed away on Sept. 9, 2024.

Zelma was born on Jan. 10, 1935, in Magee, MS. The daughter of Harold Atha and Vida Elizabeth Glisson Blackwell. She attended schools in Mize, Sanford, Pineville, Sylvarena, MS, and finished high school as valedictorian at Lake, MS in 1952. Zelma then attended Belhaven College graduating Cum Laude with a major in Voice and a minor in Music Education.

She moved to Natchez in 1956 and taught elementary music in the Institute, Carpenter II, and Braden Elementary Schools. She also taught at Thomas Jefferson and Cathedral schools. Later she worked at Heard Music Company retiring in 1995.

Zelma was a longtime member of First Presbyterian Church and then a founding member of New Covenant Presbyterian Church where she served as Sunday School teacher, deacon, treasurer, and several other capacities.

Zelma was also a longtime board member of the Natchez Children’s Home.

She was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Barbara Middleton (Frank); sister, Betty Lou Cook; daughter-in-law, Diane Yelverton Kennon and two great-grandchildren.

Survivors include her husband of 67 years William (Bill) Kennon; three sons, William Lawrence Kennon of Natchez, Robert Harold (Hal) Kennon (Debra) of Greer, SC, and Ronald Dale Kennon (Melissa) of Flowood, MS, five grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren.

A private service will be held on Friday, Sept. 13, 2024, with interment following at the National Cemetery, Natchez.

The family gives special thanks and appreciation to AccentCare Home Health, Compassus Hospice, Heart 2 Heart, and Alice Dyson for their care and services.

Memorials may be made to New Covenant Presbyterian Church, Natchez Humane Society, or the charity of your choice.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at lairdfh.com.