Jackie Carol Helton Kennedy, 77, of St. Joseph, MO passed away May 11, 2026.  Jackie was born October 6, 1948 in St. Joseph to Jesse Lee and Dorothy Jean (Boling) Helton, Sr.

She was preceded in death by her husband Michael David Kennedy on December 14, 2017.  Also preceding her in death were her parents, brothers Jesse Helton, Jr., Paul Clifford Helton, and sister Nina Jolene Leibel.

Jackie lived in  the United Kingdom where she had the pleasure of working for Sean Connery.  Her and her husband  lived in Florida for over 25 years while he was employed by NASA.  She worked many different jobs while in Florida, but loved working for Disney.

Survivors include a daughter Michelle Kroeger, son Brian Kripps; grandsons Kaleb and Kaden Kroeger; brothers Danny Gene Helton, Sr. Thomas Edward Helton, Sr. (Rita), Jimmie Loren Helton (Sharon), Wayne Ellis Helton (Lisa); sister Lorene Kay Helton; numerous nieces and nephews.

Services will be Tuesday, May 19, 2026, at 11:00 am at Heaton-Bowman-Smith & Sidenfaden Chapel.  Inurnment will follow at Armstrong Cemetery in Rushville.  Visitation will precede the service beginning at 10:00 am at the funeral home.