Dorothy (Dot) Coates Kennedy

Dorothy (Dot) Coates Kennedy passed away peacefully on July 7, 2021 in her home of sixty-five years, with her daughter at her side. She was born October 31, 1924 at Seville in Madison County, Virginia. She attended Gunston Hall in Washington DC and Hannah More Academy in Maryland before returning to Madison County to marry her high school sweetheart, Leonard Benson (LB) Kennedy in September of 1946. During LB's time as a Master Sergeant in the Air Force, they were stationed in Nashville, Memphis, El Paso, Clovis, Etaine, France and Rhein-Mann, Germany. Following LB's diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis, they relocated to Richmond, Virginia to be close to the McGuire VA Hospital. Dorothy wholeheartedly supported LB in many ways and was eager to help in his work as President of the Virginia Chapter of the Paralyzed Veterans of America, service on the President's Committee of Employment of the Handicapped and testifying before the House Committee on Veterans Affairs in the US Congress. Dorothy became the ultimate caregiver during the last years of LB's life and then found joy once again as a loving and very devoted grandmother and great grandmother. She was truly loved by her family and their many friends and, as one dear friend suggested, "Heaven's cafeteria just got the best chicken salad, grilled cheeses, spaghetti sauce and Christmas treats!" As Dorothy began her decline, she was elated to learn of the upcoming birth of yet another great granddaughter! Dorothy was predeceased by her father, Claude Winfred Coates, and mother, Annie Graves Coates of Madison County, VA as well as her husband, LB Kennedy, her two brothers, Warren and George Coates, and her dear friend, Alma Barley. She is survived by her daughter, Claudia Kennedy Gregg (Bill) and grandchildren Jason Kennedy Gregg, Bradford Logan Gregg (Elizabeth), Jennifer Gregg Giles (Chris) and Kimberly Gregg Stank (Mike). In addition, she is survived by four great grandchildren, Addison Gregg, Logan Gregg, Carter Giles and Kennedy Giles. Her funeral service will be private. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Paralyzed Veterans of America, Mid-Atlantic Chapter, 11620 Busy Street, North Chesterfield, 23236.