Mary L. Kendricks' Obituary
Mary Louise Kendricks’ Story
She was born Mary Louise Lockhart on February 15, 1943 in Magnolia, Arkansas to Dorothy Lee Adair (Lockhart) and Booker Lockhart (both parents deceased). At a very early age her mother passed away unexpectantly and she was raised by her maternal grandparents, Dora Adair and Eddie Lee Adair. Her grandparents raised her as “one of their children” not as a grandchild. She deeply loved them both and was grateful for the unconditional love they provided her.
She married her high school sweetheart Clayton Kendricks Jr., March 1 1961 in Los Angeles, California. Mary & Clay settled down in San Diego and in 1963 their first and only child was born Fleccia “Renae “Kendricks.
Mary started working in 1964 for the County of San Diego at Edgemoor Geriartic Hospital. At Edgemoor she created a circle of close friends that became an extension of her family.
Mary was a die-hard San Diego “Charger” season ticket holder since 1969, until the team relocated to Los Angeles. She loved entertaining and having close friends and family over. There were many fun parties and just plain ‘ole” get togethers for no specific reason, but just pure enjoyment of their close friends. Needless to say, at most of these events Clay who loves cooking was the main cook. Always providing a spread of good Southern comfort food which was alright by her. Although, they loved driving back to Arkansas and stopping at all of the Cracker Barrels, they also loved cruising and traveling with the family. Their life together was fulling with so many close friends and family to keep them busy during retirement.
One of the many highlights over the years, for her was going “home” back to Camden, Arkansas. She loved going home and seeing her classmates from “Lincoln High School” during reunion time.
Mary loved the holidays and wanted to make sure they were memorable for our family. She was so proud of her grandchildren Jasmine Nicole Gross (Armstead) and Christopher Gross Jr. They were the apple of her eye but once the great-grands were born they stole all of our hearts. Amahrie Lenae Armstead and Aleah Brielle Armstead became the center of her world. The girls affectionately called her Dear-Dear.
She will be mourned by her husband Clayton Kendricks Jr, daughter Renae (Chris) Gross. granddaughter Jasmine (Tracy) Armstead, grandson Chris Jr, great-granddaughters Amahrie and Aleah, sister’s Girivesteen Greene, Betty Williams, Bobbi Fishman (Mark), Carrie Fleming, Viola Robinson (Larry), brothers Eddie James Adair (Sheila), Booker T Lockheart Jr.(Karen) and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins in Magnolia, Arkansas and friends.
A Message to My Mother
I am my Mother’s Daughter. Mom you have always said to me over the years you are so strong I don’t have to worry about you. But what you failed to realize is I was strong because I had you in my corner. You made me feel I could do anything I put my mind and heart to. You have always been my biggest supporter, cheerleader, confidant and best friend. All of the important things in life I learned from you. You taught me how to stand firm and always hold my head up in life. I know how deeply you loved me, Chris, Jasmine, Chris Jr., Amahrie and Aleah. You constantly let us know that there was nothing you wouldn’t do for us. Your love was boundless for your family. I want you to know that my heart is aching because you’re not here. I can only stand on God’s word that I will see you again. I am and always be Mary Louise Kendricks daughter. I love you mom.
Mother Dear was one of the best people on Earth. She gave the warmest of smiles and comforting hugs. I’m glad I had the opportunity to know her.
-Amahrie and Aleah Armstead
My sweet Dear-Dear (where do I begin). I truly miss you so much. You were my BEST FRIEND. Not a day passed by that I did not speak to you by phone and now I feel lost. You were the best grandmother and great grandmother any grandchild could ask for. A true light to our family. So warm, caring and thoughtful. I truly appreciate everything that you have done for me and the girls and I will never forget you. We will continue to keep making you proud. I will FOREVER miss you and cannot wait until we meet again.
Love you dearly,
Jasmine Armstead
Never Forgotten
A poem by MS Moem
I think of things you used to say
And all that you would do,
At some point, every single day,
My thoughts will turn to you.
To lose you was a bitter wrench,
The pain cut to my core
I cried until my tears ran out
And then I cried some more.
This wouldn’t be your wish for me
That I’d be forever sad
So I try to remind myself
Of the happy times we had
I know I can’t be with you now
And you can’t be with me
But safe inside my heart you’ll stay,
That’s where you’ll always be.
Mary I want to thank you for the 59 wonderful years we shared together!
I am and always will be Mary Louise Kendricks daughter.
What’s your fondest memory of Mary?
What’s a lesson you learned from Mary?
Share a story where Mary's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Mary you’ll never forget.
How did Mary make you smile?
