Obituary of Amy Kathryn Kennon

Proverbs 139:13-16 tells us that while God created us, he did so in our mother’s womb. Mothers are special. They create life and make sacrifices for their children every day. A mother’s love for her own children is unconditional and never-ending. We all know the love Amy had for her own children. She made endless sacrifices for them as a single mom, and towards the end of her life she continued to do so. Her children were blessed with a mother who was strong, brave, and selfless, and she did whatever she had to do to protect them.

Amy’s love and compassion extended beyond her own children. Working for many years in special education, Amy fought tirelessly for students who were often overlooked or forgotten about. She advocated for those who did not have a voice. As someone said, “Amy was a hero that did not wear a cape.” Amy was not just an educator, she was a place of safety and love for those students who did not have it at home. Amy’s records may show that she has one diploma from Smithville High School, but in reality she can be credited with innumerable diplomas that were earned due to her unending quest in seeking success for her students. She cared. She cared with her whole heart.

Amy will forever be known as “the baby” of our family. She was born on December 30, 1978 in Austin, Texas, and we were immediately obsessed with her as we hadn’t had a baby in the family for quite some time. Amy grew up in Smithville and graduated from Smithville High School. She went on to earn her bachelor’s degree from St. Edward’s University. She then worked for 16 1/2 years as a special education educator for Smithville ISD.

Amy left us on October 18, 2023, leaving behind her greatest legacy, her children: Abby, Cody and Claire. She is also survived by her parents, Roy and Marilyn Wood, her sisters, Becky Friend and husband Kenneth, and Jenny Helmcamp and husband, Trenton. She was a loving aunt to her nephews, Bryce Helmcamp, Riley and wife Morgan Helmcamp, Cooper Helmcamp, Kaleb and wife Kylee Friend, Josh and wife Dana Friend, Luke Friend and her great nephews, Banks Helmcamp and Matthew Friend.

Amy left a lasting impression to all that knew her. She was a provider of unconditional love. She was a fighter that fought to protect those she loved. She was a selfless mother who raised her children to be the brave, thoughtful and loving individuals they are. Today there is a void, but Amy’s spirit will live on in the lives of her children and in the hearts of all of those who knew and loved her.

Amy’s family is forever grateful for the outpouring of love and support received from family, friends, Smithville ISD, and the Smithville community.

Amy will be honored at a memorial service on Saturday, October 28, 2023 at St. Mary’s Church, 405 St. Mary’s Road, String Prairie, Texas. A Memorial Service will begin at 2:00 p.m. Refreshments will be served at the church hall following the service, and Amy’s children invite all to share special memories of Amy with them at the hall. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the newly established Amy Wood Kennon scholarship in which all proceeds will go to students in the special education department of Smithville High School.