Esther Mae Phillips Kennedy, age 95, of Smithfield, passed away peacefully on Sunday morning, May 3, 2026, at her residence in The Landings Assisted Living Center in Smithfield. Born June 7, 1930, she was the daughter of the late W. Robert and Sallie Phillips of Smithfield. She was preceded in death by her husband, John W. Kennedy; a sister, Shelby Jean Phillips; a beloved nephew, Tony Jones; a brother-in-law, Hugh Jones; and a loving stepmother, Frances Lancaster Phillips.

Esther’s husband (J.W.) was a sergeant in the U.S. Air Force, and they traveled to and lived in many different places, including Alaska. After his retirement, they returned home and lived the rest of their life in Smithfield. Esther returned to Roses Department Store, where she worked before she and J.W. were married. She retired from Roses after 25 years of service. Esther was also the oldest member of Johnston Union Original FWB Church.

A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, at Johnston Union Original FWB Church at 2:00 p.m. The family will receive visitors one hour prior to the service from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Johnston Union Original FWB Church. Burial will follow at the Hills of the Neuse Memory Garden.

Esther is survived by her sister, Sadie P. Jones of Smithfield; stepsister, Kaye Heroux (George) of Leland; nieces, Debbie Jones Dorman (Warren) of Selma and Jennifer Jones Brown (John) of Raleigh; nephews, Randy Jones (Ruthie) of Columbia, SC, Robbie Southerland (April) and Brad Ward (Chris) of Clayton; and many great nieces and nephews.

Flowers are welcome; however, the family requests donations be made to Johnston Union Original FWB Church, General Fund, PO Box 1851, Smithfield, NC 27577.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to the staff at The Landings of Smithfield and Gentiva Hospice for their care of Esther.