Brenda Jane “B.J.” Kennedy

January 10, 1941 - March 31, 2024

Brenda Jane "B.J." Kennedy of Floyd, Va. passed away peacefully Sunday, March 31, 2024 at the age of 83. She was born January 10, 1941, in Portsmouth VA and was the daughter of William Bernard, Sr. & Margaret Alma (Spruill) Turner.

She graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School in Portsmouth, VA, Class of 1959.

B.J. was a tough gal with a spitfire personality and a big heart. She applied that fierce temperament in her many careers throughout her life. In her early adult days as a reporter/photographer for a southeastern racing circuit magazine, she was among some of the first women to race at that level and even got the opportunity to race Richard Petty's car.

She was co-owner of a camera shop/photography studio, where she gained local and state-wide awards, prestige and notoriety, providing timeless memories at weddings & various professional sporting events.

Continuing as a trail blazer, recognizing a need, she helped establish and was a founding member of the JEB Stuart Rescue Squad in Patrick County, VA.

Later, she was one of the first female fire fighters at the Radford Army Ammunition Plant in Radford, VA.

She is survived by her loving husband of 53 years, John (Doc) Kennedy Jr.;

her brother, Bill Turner & his wife, Cindy;

her children: Cynthia Kennedy, Sandra Hawkins and her husband David, Sr. and James Kennedy and his wife Michelle, as well as 5 grandchildren:

Victoria, Alexandria, David, Jr, Margaret & Brian and 2 great grandchildren: Atlas & Axel.

Per BJ’s request, there will be no services at this time.

I know Jim will miss his mother dearly. Sending much love to him and his whole family.

I’m so sorry for your loss. Jim and Michelle and the rest of family are in my thoughts 🙏

Our thoughts and prayers are with Brenda's family. May she rest in peace🎋🙏

Oh Momma, I can’t believe you’re gone !!! I’m going to miss you so very much !!! We’ve been together for 63 years. My whole life. It’s going to take a while to learn how to do things without you. The only thing that will get me through this is knowing you are at peace now. No more suffering. I know you Grandma and grandpa are having a blast right now. !!! Until we meet again momma. I love you !!!!!!!

Please accept our deepest condolences. Those we love don't go away; they walk beside us in our hearts and memories. Our prayers go out to you and your loved ones during this difficult time.