Elton-Funeral services for Vernie Fruge Kennedy Bertrand, 93, will be held Wednesday,
May 18, 2011 at 2pm in Ardoin Funeral Home of Elton. Rev. Steve Bellard will officiate.
Burial will follow at Liberty Cemetery in Elton.
Visitation will be held Tuesday, May 17, from 4-9pm in Ardoin Funeral Home
of Elton. Visitation will continue Wednesday from 8am until time of service.
Vernie was a loving daughter, wife, mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, sister,
aunt, and friend. Her greatest joy was spending time with family and friends. She was a
native of and lived in Elton most of her life. She met and married James S. Kennedy.
Their union lasted 43 years; together they farmed and reared four children. Later
in life Vernie worked as a cafeteria technican in Elton. She retired from the Jefferson
Davis Parish School Board. After the death of her husband, Jim, Vernie married
Oscar Bertrand. Their union lasted 13 years. Vernie was a long time member of Elton
United Methodist Church. She was a faithful, devoted Christian who read and studied
the bible daily even though she was visually impaired. Vernie was very proud of her
cajun heritage. She loved Cajun music and dancing. She will be remembered for
her gentle, kind spirit and quiet strength.
Vernie is survived by her children, Harold W. Kennedy and wife Pat of Moss
Bluff, James F. Kennedy and wife Mavis of Longville, Mary A. Flowers of Welsh, and
Jessie M. Kennedy of Sulphur; one sister, Lessie Corbello of Iowa; thirteen grandchildren
and twenty-six great grandchildren, and five great-great grandchildren. She is also
survived by her special friends Bob and Patti Murray.
Vernie is preceded in death by her parents, Tannas Fruge and Vena Miller
Fruge; eight brothers; seven sisters; a grandson, Rick Dan Manuel and husbands, James
S. Kennedy and Oscar Bertrand.
Pallbearers will be her grandsons: Kurt Kennedy, Gregg Kennedy, Shawn
Kennedy, Brett Kennedy, Keith Manuel, Kent Manuel, Arty Schexnayder, and Alan
Schexnayder.
The family wishes to thank the staff of Resthaven Nursing Center and Odessey
Hospise for their compassionate care.