Burnell "Burney" Crockett Kennedy died peacefully at home on Thursday, January 26, 2023. She left in peace knowing she had Jesus' promise. John 14:2 - In my Father's house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. Burney was a member of Beall Chapel Baptist Church since 1957.

Burney was born January 11, 1926, in Silsbee, Texas to Leslie Crockett and Maudie Mae McClanahan. They separated when Burney was eight years old. Leslie later married Berta Lou Crockett and they had two sons, L. H. Crockett and Jerry Crockett and one daughter, Judy Hammers Maxey. Burney married Russell Taravella in 1946 and they had one daughter, Sandra Taravella Jeter. Following their divorce, Burney moved to Jacksonville in 1955 and went to work at Nichols Industries where she met A. J. Kennedy. They married June 14, 1958, and A. J. brought to the marriage one daughter, Gail Kennedy Yarbrough. Burney worked for Jacksonville Independent School District for almost 32 years. She did payroll and bookkeeping for nearly 400 people. Burney was a faithful member of the Texas Retired Teachers Association and did bookkeeping for Beall Chapel Baptist Church.

Burney was preceded in death by her parents Leslie and Berta Lou Crockett, Maudie Mae McClanahan and her husband of 50 years, A. J. Kennedy. She was also preceded in death by her daughter Sandra Taravella Jeter and her sister Judy Maxey Hammers.

Left to cherish her memory are brothers L. H. Crockett of Jacksonville, Jerry (Doris) Crockett of Tyler, and daughter Gail Yarbrough of Poynor. In addition, she is survived by grandchildren David "Bo" Moore of Tyler, Kevin Moore of Jacksonville, Tricia Krall of Tyler, and Patti Bingham of Poynor. Burney also leaves behind her great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins. The family would like to thank the caregivers of Heart-to-Heart Hospice, and family friend, Martha Sockwell, for their time and wonderful care they provided Burney during her final days.

Pallbearers will be Harrison Blaylock, Jackson Blaylock, John Blaylock, Jordan Crockett, Travis Crockett, and T. J. Tinsley. Honorary Pallbearers are men of Beall Chapel Baptist Church.

Friends and family are invited to visit with the family on Monday evening, January 30, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Autry Funeral Home, Jacksonville, Texas. Burney's service will be Tuesday, January 31, at 2:00 p.m., at Autry Funeral Home. Rev. Robert Simpson, Pastor of Beall Chapel Baptist Church, will officiate. Burial will follow at Jarrett Cemetery.