Mrs. Miriam LaVerne Kohn Kennedy

After a gallant fight to remain here on her journey, Miriam LaVerne Kohn Kennedy, owner and operator of the Flower Station Florist, succumbed quietly and serenely from this earthly sojourn to be with the Lord on Monday, January 27, 2014 at Palmetto Richland Hospital. Miriam, the twin daughter of the late Lenzo C. and Vasteen S. Kohn was born on December 18, 1950 in Columbia, SC . As the oldest twin (8 min.), she was the “boss in the womb and the crib” and remained in charge until her departure. She attended Richland One public schools, but not before she, along with her twin, completed first grade at the age of four in Swansea, SC at the now defunct Monroe Pinckney High School. Afterwards, they attended Waverly Elementary through 4th grade, and became the first graduating class of the newly constructed Lyon Street Elementary School in 1962. During her one year tenure at W. A. Perry Jr. High School, Miriam’s musical talents were discovered by the renowned James Arthur Williams and Earnest Pressley. Her perfectly pitched soprano voice aided her in securing the position of soloist on the Choraliers at the historic Booker T. Washington High School, and First Nazareth Baptist Church as a youth. She graduated from her beloved alma mater, Booker T. Washington High School with the class of 1968. Following graduation, she attended Palmer College, obtaining an Associate Degree in business and Midlands Technical College as well as the School of Floral Design in Alexander, Virginia. Miriam embarked on a short business career, that included positions in, banking, mental health and employment at the General Electric Company of Irmo, SC. She was united in marriage in 1970 to Abram Josiah Bellamy Kennedy, her loving partner of 25 years, who preceded her in death. This union was blessed with her only son, Anthony Gerard Kennedy who later blessed her with her only granddaughter, Layla Danielle Kennedy, “the darling of her heart.” Miriam has been a member of First Calvary Baptist Church where she joined with her late husband, for over 35 years. She was a charter member of the First Calvary Madrigals, a former Trustee and chairperson of the Women’s Day Committee. Additionally, she also served as President of the American Business Women Association (ABWA), having been selected as ABWA Woman of the Year and has been a member of local and statewide floral associations. In December of 2013, Miriam Kennedy was reconigized by Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., receiving the Bigger & Better Business Award. Miriam along with her late husband Abram, were an entrepreneurial duo who launched their talents with performances at churches and civic affairs and later became wedding coordinators who were able to give their clients the total package-providing music, floral designs, decorations and a full course reception. They were an awesome couple, who were multi-talented and accomplished in their business acumen. In 1982, Miriam and Abram had a ribbon cutting ceremony that saw the opening of the Flower Station Florist, located in Forest Acres on Two Notch Road. Business has been good over the years and the florist continues to flourish, thanks to Miriam’s vision and planning along with her dedicated staff persons. Miriam Kohn Kennedy leaves to cherish her memory and celebrate her life, a son, Anthony G. Kennedy and granddaughter, Layla Danielle Kennedy (and her Mother, Melanie); Theodore Donald Kohn (Gloria), Lenzo Calvin Kohn, Jr. (Sandra), Ronald Edwin Kohn and a loving and devoted sister, Marian LaNelle Kohn (ML) all of Columbia, SC; three aunts, LaVerne Kohn Neal, Irma Kohn Bellinger, and Luzelia Coleman Smith, her Mother-in-Law, Marie Kennedy Frierson; brothers and sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews and a host of other relatives and friends, God children, family friends Michael Robinson (Rene) and Carol Singletary. She was loved and supported by her church family. Services will be held 12 noon Tuesday, February 4, 2014 at First Calvary Baptist Church, 1401 Pine Street, Columbia, SC, with interment to follow in Memorial Gardens of Columbia. The family will receive friends 6-8 PM Monday, February 3, 2014 at Palmer Memorial Chapel. The family request that Memorials be made in Memory of Abram and Miriam LaVerne Kohn Kennedy, Legacy of a New Generation c/o First Calvary Baptist Church. The family ask that you add your condolences and memorials on their web page @www.palmermemorialchapel.com

Mrs. Miriam LaVerne Kohn Kennedy

December 18, 1950 - January 27, 2014