Pee Dee Homegoing Services This Week

*Obituary of Lanette Lamara Townsend Kennedy*

Mrs. Lanette Lamara Townsend Kennedy, daughter of the late Horace and Thomasenia Townsend, departed this earthly life on Thursday, May 13, 2021.

Before moving to South Carolina, Lanette attended school in Wake County, NC. She completed her education at Timmonsville High School in Timmonsville, SC.

Lanette was employed as a housekeeper and nanny to several families in the Florence area. She believed that the caliber of one’s work was a reflection of there character. As a result of her stellar work ethic, attention to detail, and genuine concern for the wellbeing of the families for whom she worked, she would often turn an assignment of one week into one that lasted several years, ended with lifelong friendships.

To close friends and family members, Lanette was affectionately referred to as simply “Nett”. She was a devoted, loving wife; a protective, caring sister; and a thoughtful friend.

Left to cherish Lanette’s loving memories: her loving and devoted husband of 36 years, and best friend Daniel Kennedy of the home; three brothers: Gregory (Veronica) Townsend of Florence, SC; Horace (Lisa) Townsend of Darlington, SC; Marshall Townsend of Timmonsville, SC, three sisters: Cynthia T. Starr of Florence, SC, Karen T. Coe of Florence, SC; and Natalie Kennedy, who preceded her in death. Sister-in Law, Jestine Dubose of Florence, SC, great aunt: Corine Steward of Baltimore, MD; as well as a host of family members and dear friends.

A beautiful person, inside and out, Lanette’s kind heart and gentle spirit will be greatly missed by all. Thanks to the goodness of the mighty God we serve, her joy, her smile, and her unforgettable loud and roaring laughter, along with countless cherished memories of a life well-lived will be forever etched in the hearts and minds of each and every life she touched.

*Obituary of Brenda K. Gardner*

Brenda K. Gardner was born on March 8, 1943 in Florence, South Carolina to Norman Kirkley, Sr., and Nettie Juanita Thomas Kirkley. On Sunday, May 9th, 2021, she went home to be with our heavenly Father.

Defining Brenda literally, a name of Hebrew, Spanish, and Old Norse origin, meaning “sword of flame.” Living up to her name, symbolizing power, protection, authority, strength, and courage, Brenda Gardner was a force to be reckoned with.

She attended the Public Schools of Florence County, graduating from Wilson High School in 1961. She also completed two years of college.

Brenda was a member of Majority Missionary Baptist Church where she served as an usher.

Brenda was a dedicated mother, a beloved grand and great grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend.

She was predeceased by her parents.

Left to cherish her precious memories are her children, Tamara M. Gardner, and Philip Gardner, both of Florence, SC; granddaughter, Heather (Gaylon) Hill of Florence, SC; grandsons, Louis Brockington III of Florence, SC, and Demetrius (Lisa) Brockington of Columbia, SC; Crystal and Lopez Ricea host of great-grandchildren; one sister, Nancy Kirkley Cooper of Florence, SC; a loving niece whom she shared a close relationship with, April (Sonny) Martin of Florence, SC; other loving nieces, Cynthia Kirkley of Florence, SC and Savannah Kirkley of Charlotte, NC; a nephew, Charles Kirkley, Jr. of Columbia, SC; other relatives and friends.

Arrangements are entrusted to Ideal Funeral Parlor, Inc.

Memorials and Condolences may be mailed to Ideal Funeral Parlor, 106 E. Darlington Street, Florence, SC 29506 or you may visit www.idealfuneral.com to leave a message for the family.