Janice Kennedy

Autry

Janice Ellen Kennedy Autry passed away peacefully on Tuesday, April 5, 2022 at Archbold Medical Center in Thomasville, GA after a brief illness.  A graveside service celebrating her life will be held on Saturday, April 9, 2022 at 11:00 AM at the Liberty Hill Baptist Church Cemetery  near Hinsonton, GA.  (4483 Mitchell County Line Rd., Meigs, GA 31765) The Rev. Dr. Ken Meyers of the Thomasville First United Methodist Church will officiate.

Mrs. Autry was born in Camilla, GA on August 1, 1939 to Essie Clyde Cameron Kennedy and Theodore Maurice Kennedy.  When she was only 8 years old her father died, and she and her two siblings were reared by her strong and resourceful mother, who predeceased her in 1997.  She was an honor graduate of Mitchell County High School in Camilla where she was a cheerleader.   In 1961, she graduated from Mercer University where she was a member of Chi Omega sorority.

While still in high school, she met and began dating Daniel Eugene "Gene" Autry from Hinsonton.  The relationship continued throughout her years at Mercer and Gene's years at Georgia Tech.  After graduation, they were married on August 18, 1962.  Gene was commissioned a 2 ^nd Lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force during the height of the Viet Nam War, and was assigned to duty in the Philippine Islands.  After Gene was deployed, Janice worked as a legal secretary in Tampa, FL until she was eventually cleared to join him. Their first son, Daniel Eugene Autry, Jr. was born in the Philippines.

On returning to the United States in 1967, they moved to Thomasville and opened a branch of the Autry family business, Autry Petroleum.  Their second son, Kenneth Eric Autry was born soon after.

Janice Autry threw herself into serving her new community.  She volunteered hours through the PTA at Jerger Elementary School, Thomasville Jaycettes, the child welfare projects of the Thomasville Jr. Service League, and Follies.  She was a member of Thomasville First United Methodist Church.  She loved lunching and shopping in downtown Thomasville, reading, and spending time with friends and family.

As the family business grew and Gene Autry became active on several national boards of directors, she juggled taking care of family and traveling extensively to state and national meetings.  She entertained graciously as his business required. She could entertain for 50 as easily as she could for four.  She was a wonderful cook and homemaker.

If you asked her about her greatest accomplishments, she would not hesitate to tell you it is her children, grandchildren and great-granddaughter. She loved her family fiercely, and was a rock and a safe place to those she loved.  She is survived by her husband of sixty years, Daniel Eugene "Gene" Autry and sons Kenny Autry of Thomasville; Dan Autry of Valdosta, GA; grandsons Gene Autry III of Atlanta, GA and Johnny Autry (Brianna) of Thomasville; granddaughters Sharon Autry of Atlanta, GA and Carlyn Rose Autry of Athens, GA; and great-granddaughter, Marilyn Autry of Thomasville; brother Theodore Maurice "Ted" Kennedy, Jr. of Dunwoody, GA; sister Kathy Kennedy Sills (Charlie) of Lawrenceville, GA; sister-in-law Janice Autry of Camilla, GA; cousin Becky Sanders of Thomasville; and many nieces and nephews.

Mrs. Autry was predeceased by sister-in-law Diane Kennedy of Dunwoody GA; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law Louis and Evelyn Autry and Jimmy and Ray Autry of Hinsonton, GA and Lynn Autry of Camilla, GA.

The family has suggested that memorials be directed to the Archbold Foundation, 910 S. Broad Street, Thomasville, GA 31792 or to Thomasville First United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 975, Thomasville, GA 31799.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 to 6:30 PM on Friday, April 8, 2022 at Whiddon-Shiver Funeral Home at 10451 US Highway 84 E in Thomasville, GA 31757.

Whiddon-Shiver Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.