Mary Frances Kennedy Ball, age 88, of Brownwood, formerly of Houston, passed away peacefully on December 28, 2023. A graveside service will be held at 12:00 PM on Wednesday, January 3, 2024 at Grand View Memorial Park in Pasadena, Texas with Heartland Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

Mary was born to John T. Kennedy Sr. and Grace Lillian Howard Kennedy on November 16, 1935, in New Albany, Mississippi. She attended high school in Louisville, Mississippi and then went to Business School at Delta State University. Mary married the love of her life, Howard C. Ball on March 31, 1957 in Louisville and they were blessed with two children. She had been employed at Commonwealth Title Company and Foley’s Department Store over the years. Mary was a member of the Early First Baptist Church. She enjoyed reading, word puzzles, jigsaw puzzles, playing bingo at CARE and watching sports, especially the Dallas Cowboys and Texas Rangers games.

Mary is survived by her daughter, Vivian Taylor; son-in-law, Alan Harden; brother, James S. Kennedy; grandchildren, Grace Underwood and John, Joseph Harden and Liz, Rebekah Harden, Andrew Taylor and Shelbi, Scott Taylor, Justin Taylor and Janna; 10 great-grandchildren, as well as many nephews and wonderful friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; her daughter, Lucretia Harden; her brother, John T. Kennedy; sisters-in-law, Dixie Kennedy and Aline Kennedy; and son-in-law, Keith Taylor.

Vivian would like to extend special thanks to CARE Nursing and Rehab for the years of care, friendship and love given to my mom. Also, to Solaris Hospice for their wonderful help.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the James Keith Taylor Memorial Scholarship Fund at MC Bank, 411 Early Blvd, Early, TX 76803

Online condolences, memories and tributes can be made to Mary’s family at www.heartlandfuneralhome.net