Marion Kennedy

With joyful hearts, we celebrate the life of Marion Henrietta Kennedy, affectionately known by her very close family as "Big Jabuuk." She was a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend who passed peacefully, leaving behind a lasting legacy of love, support, laughter, and unwavering devotion to her family. Marion was born on July 27, 1942, to the late Marshall and Roberta Linton, and was raised in North Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She received her education from the Philadelphia School System and graduated from The William Penn High School, for girls, in June 1960.Immediately following high school, Marion entered the workforce. One of her earliest jobs was at Gimbels Department Store, where she met and ultimately fell in love with her late ex husband, Baseer ibn Islam Abdullah (Lewis Kennedy Jr.).Throughout her life, Marion explored many professional paths. She worked as an accountant and attended cosmetology school, but she found her true passion in helping children. Her first career was with the Philadelphia Public School System, where she served as a Special Education Classroom Assistant. After several years of dedicated service to the city's youth she decided to retire. In October 1988, she began a second career with New Jersey Rail Operations. This role brought her immense joy, as she commuted daily to Newark, New Jersey via Amtrak alongside her sisters, Nancy and Kathy. During her career at New Jersey Transit, she formed many meaningful friendships that she cherished well into her later years. After 20 years of committed service, Manion retired once more to enjoy the fruits of her labor. Outside of work, Marion loved traveling with family and friends. Cruising was her travel option of choice; she enjoyed the dining experiences and fully embraced her love of dancing and partying. You could always find Marion on the dance floor, getting loose and having a good time. She loved being the center of every gathering, was the

creator of countless delicious meals, and was the aunt everyone adored. Fun, outspoken, and fiercely protective, she took immense pride in her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. In 2004, Marion packed up all her belongings and moved to Upper Marlboro, Maryland, where she lovingly cared for her three youngest grandchildren. Daily trips to IHOP for pancakes and coffee, followed by shopping for "whatever they asked for," became treasured highlights of those years. Marion also enjoyed playing Words with Friends and completing her daily Wordle challenges with her sisters and her nephew, Tone. Her ultimate daily pleasure was watching the Game Show Network, with Family Feud being her favorite show. An active member of her senior community, Marion frequently participated in food pantry drives, helping prepare and distribute baskets to those in need. She enjoyed community outings such as shopping trips, city cruises, and bingo. Thursday nights were reserved for Pokeno with her dear friends and everyone knew, "Don't call on Thursday nights. "Accepting Jesus Christ as her savior at an early age; her faith was a guiding light throughout her life. She attended church most Sundays and lovingly shared her gift of singing as a member of the church choir for decades. Marion's warmth and steadfast love for her family will leave a lasting impression on all who knew her. She often reminded those within earshot, "I talk to my daughters every day, and I text my sisters every day too. "Marion was preceded in death by her beloved brothers, Marshall C."Buddy" Linton Jr. (Brenda), and Bruce Linton. She leaves to cherish her memory her loving children, Zachary (Evelyn), Marshall, Monica, and Syreeta "Nikki"; her dear siblings, Harold "Butch" (Ingrid), Nancy, and Kathleen "Kathy" (Charles); her treasured grandchildren, Quinton, Omar (Brittany), Danielle, Victoria, Mariah, Eniyah, Kennedi, and Eric; her adored great-grandchildren, Khloe, Kilynn, Mason, and Braylen; and a host of loving nieces, nephews,