Juanita Kennedy Park

September 2, 1926 - December 18, 2020

ROCKPORT – Juanita Kennedy Park, 94, of Rockport, went to her heavenly home on Friday, December 18, 2020, at 3:30PM at Ohio County Hospital. Mrs. Park was born September 2, 1926, to parents Robert and Ida Mae Kennedy. Mrs. Park dedicated her life to the betterment of others and in particular, she enjoyed educating and mentoring thousands of students during her time. Mrs. Park began her teaching career in 1944 in Ohio County and continued to work with student teachers at WKU until 2012. She spent the first 20 years of her 67-year teaching career at Rockport Elementary and High School teaching first through eighth grade from 1944 to 1965. In 1965 she taught first graders at Western Kentucky State College’s Training School. Mrs. Park’s career continued in 1966 at WKU’s Jones-Jaggers Laboratory School and then in WKU’s Teacher Education program where she supervised student teachers and conducted student teaching seminars until retiring. Mrs. Park served as president of the Kentucky Association of Classroom Teachers in the mid-1960s and received several awards for her service with the Kentucky Education Association. With such an impact in education, Mrs. Park entered the Kentucky Teacher Hall of Fame in 2013. Mrs. Park cherished her time serving as President of the Governing Board at Ohio County Healthcare for many years. She was also a faithful member of Rockport Presbyterian Church. Aside from her parents, Mrs. Park was preceded in death by the love of her life, James Woodrow Park. The family takes comfort in knowing she is finally reunited with her soul mate and enjoying their everlasting life together. She was also preceded in death by her brother, Harlen Thomas Kennedy, Sr. and his wife, Emma Rhea Kennedy; and nephew Harlen Thomas Kennedy, Jr. Mrs. Park leaves behind to cherish her memory, nephews John (Kelly) Kennedy and Paul (Jan) Walton; niece Peri (Bruce) Jacobson; great-nieces and great-nephews, Robert (Jamie) Kennedy, Reggie (Michelle) Kennedy, Shane (Kim) Kennedy, Zachary Kennedy, Carly Kennedy, Sean Jacobson, Emily Jacobson, and Michelle Hopper; many great-great nephews and great-great-nieces; and many friends and former students. Private graveside services will be held at Rose Hill Cemetery in Central City, with Rev. Bobby Renfrow officiating. Tucker Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements of Mrs. Park. In addition to the private service, the family will host a more public Celebration of Life later in the Spring. Online condolences may be made at www.tuckerfuneralhomes.com. Expressions of sympathy may take the form of contributions to Ohio County Healthcare Auxiliary, 1211 Old Main Street, Hartford, KY 42347.

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Mrs. Parks was my teacher at Rockport Elementary. Because of her great teaching skills, I was able to whiz by the English classes in college. She was a beautiful and smart lady. My deepest condolences to her family.

I loved you then and I love you now and forever. My teacher, friend and role model. I know you're with Woody now and are so happy. Thank you for always being you.

Juanita was a friend to our family. She and Woodrow stood up with my mom and step father at their wedding. She was my teacher, friend and role model. I visited her when in Ky. In her home. I live in Alabama now. She was a shining light in this dark world. Kind and loveable to everyone. We use to ( as a class) go down to Sheffield's Store and buy her gifts at least once a month. Chalk statues but she acted as if they were gold. She will never be forgotten.

Bob has not been well for several years but he loved Woody and Juanita and Mom Kennedy for all their kindness to him when he lived there.

Juanita was such a fine lady and was well respected in her community and with everyone that she was associated with. I had the honor of serving with her on the Governing Board at the Ohio County Hospital for ten years while she served well in excess of twenty years as our Chairman. She was a sweet lady, very well versed in all her endeavors. A dear friend that will be missed by all who knew her. Rest in Peace my friend.

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

She was a jewel. Very fortunate to say she was my teacher at Rockport, my cheerleading coach and a dear friend. I learned so very much ftom this gracious lady.

I remember Juanita as my Sunday School teacher at Rockport Presbyterian Church and my 6th grade teacher at Rockport Elementary. Through the years she was always a role model and friend. She will be missed!

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