Margaret Elizabeth Overton Kenner

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Visitation Schedule
Visitation
Roller-Chenal Funeral Home
13801 Chenal Parkway
Little Rock, AR  72211
Friday, February 5, 2016
5:00 - 7:00 P.M.
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
First Christian Church
1500 N. Mississippi
Little Rock, AR  72207
Saturday, February 6, 2016
11:00 A.M.
Memorial Contributions
Memorial Contribution
First Christian Church of Little Rock
1515 North Mississippi
Little Rock, AR  72207
Margaret Elizabeth Overton Kenner

of Little Rock, AR

April 11, 1919 - February 2, 2016

Margaret Elizabeth Overton Kenner of Little Rock passed away on Tuesday, February 2, 2016. She was born April 11, 1919 in Bolivar, TN. She was the daughter of Joseph Absalom and Mary McCain Overton. She was preceded in death by an infant sister, Mary Virginia Overton; her parents; a grandson; Charles Arthur Kenner, and her husband, Reverend Doctor Arthur Daniel Carmichael Kenner, III.

She graduated from high school at the age of fifteen and drove herself to Bethel College in McKenzie, TN, the next fall. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree and received a Master of Arts degree from Vanderbilt University's Peabody College of Nashville, TN, in 1942. She taught in the Hardeman County public schools of Tennessee for several years.

She made her profession of faith early in life and was a faithful church member, Pastor's wife, and Christian witness. Her church service began at age 6 with her vocal and piano talents. She was a member of The First Christian Church of Little Rock, Arkansas, from 1956 until her death. She married Rev. Kenner in 1941 and was his faithful companion and supporter until he preceded her in 2004.

She held memberships in the Woman's City Club of Little Rock and Daughters of the American Revolution. She was an able seamstress and needlewoman and leaves many beautiful hand-worked pieces of needlepoint in the homes of family and friends. First Christian Church of Little Rock honored her and her husband by naming the gathering room in the church Kenner Hall in honor of Margaret and Dan Kenner, recognizing her loyal service and love for the church along with his ministry.

She is survived by five children; Margaret Elizabeth (Mrs. Steve Swafford), Tomball, TX, Mary Virginia (Mrs. Hugh McKay), Falls Church, VA, Arthur Daniel Carmichael Kenner IV (Corinne), Forestville, CA, Joseph David Kenner, (Rychelle), Arlington, TX, Nancy Cherie (Mrs. George Gann), Little Rock, AR. She is survived by her brother Joseph Robert Overton of Columbia, TN; a niece, Dr. Mary E. Cotham (John) of Columbia, TN; and a nephew Joseph Robert Overton of Raleigh, NC. She is survived by eight grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Mrs. Kenner and her family cherished the care, friendship, and compassion extended by Dr. Scott Brown and Sheila Primm.

Visitation will be 5-7 P.M., Friday, February 5, 2016 at Roller Chenal Funeral Home, 13801 Chenal Parkway, Little Rock, AR 72211 (501) 224-8300. Funeral service will be 11:00 A.M., Saturday, February 6, 2016 at First Christian Church, 1515 North Mississippi, Little Rock, AR 72207. Memorials may be made to First Christian Church.

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11 Condolence(s)
Julianne Hendren
Mabank, TX
Liked
Saturday, February 6, 2016

I am so deeply saddened to have learned tonight of Margaret's death. My heart is heavy for her children & their families and for her brother. My father was Dan's roommate at Bethel College and Margaret told me that Dad was the first boy she met on campus. He introduced her to his roommate and loved them both dearly. Dan was the best man when my parents married and 2 months later, my father officiated at their wedding. What memories to cherish. I have a picture of the 4 of them in Little Rock as they celebrated their 50th anniversaries and it sits in a jeweled frame in my living room. Margaret was lovely on the outside but even more beautiful on the inside. She was fiercely loyal and always stayed in touch after my parents and my only sister died. She was a great lady And she will never be forgotten. With sincere sympathy, Julie

TOPSY
MAUMELLE, AR
Liked
Saturday, February 6, 2016

I WAS SO SADDENED TO LEARN OF MRS. KENNERS PASSING AWAY. I HAVE BEEN BLESSED TO KNOW AND ENJOY HER BEAUTIFUL SPIRIT AND NEEDLEPOINT FOR OVER 40 YEARS. IT HAS BEEN A TRUE GIFT TO HAVE BEEN ENTRUSTED WITH THE FINISHING OF HER WORK. EACH AND EVERY PIECE WAS MORE LOVELY THAN THE LAST. MOST OF ALL I COULD ALWAYS FEEL THE PRESENCE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT WHEN WE TALKED. I WILL MISS HER AS I KNOW HER FAMILY WILL ALSO. I PRAY YOU ALL FIND PEACE AND JOY IN HER YEARS ON EARTH AND THE COMFORT TO KNOW SHE IS WITH OUR HEAVENLY FATHER AND YOU WILL SEE HER AGAIN.

Pat Purifoy
Little Rock, AR
Liked
Thursday, February 4, 2016

Dear Kenner family, What a wonderful lady Mrs. Kenner was! Her grace, elegance & compassion would fill a room. Ms. Kenner was one of the first people I met @ First Christian Church on Sept. 3, 1993; when I joined the church. She had such a charming & charismatic personality it was easy to be drawn to her. She was an excellent role model for young women of all generations & I am so glad to have known her & Dr. Kenner.
Sincerely, Pat Purifoy

William Merck, Jr.
Plano, TX
Liked
Thursday, February 4, 2016

To the Kenner family, our deepest sympathy and prayers. Mrs. Kenner was a most gracious & kind lady whose life mission was to faithfully serve her own family, church family and most importantly to serve Christ our Lord and savior. It was a privilege to know her and our family will always be grateful for her presence in our lives at First Christian Church. Peace be with you always on earth and in heaven.

Sally Worthington Merck
William Merck, Jr.

Jonah Pruitt, III
Coral Gables, FL
Liked
Thursday, February 4, 2016

Mrs. Kenner was one of the sweetest and gracious persons I have ever know. Always attentive, always thoughtful, and always loving and caring. As has been said before, she and her family and my family are forever entwined in a history that is a great treasure of love. She has a beautiful soul. I send my deepest condolences to all of you. All the best to you all and you are in my thoughts and prayers.

Joey

Janie Worthington Jones
Little Rock, AR
Liked
Thursday, February 4, 2016

To the Kenner family. One of the strongest familiest I know.
I have many memories of your family's
contribution to the church and to other families. My prayers go out for you in your time of sorrow. I love you dearly.
Janie Worthington Jones

E.Burrow
Baltimore,
Liked
Thursday, February 4, 2016

My deepest sympathies to the family of Margaret Kenner. I am sorry for your loss. My prayers goes out to you. Jehovah is a God of comfort, please read 2 Corinthians 1: 2-4. Again my condolence.

Sallye Becton
Murfreesboro, TN
Liked
Thursday, February 4, 2016

Such a special lady, such a special family!! My prayers and much love to all of you!! Your whole family has always been very special to my family!! I love you all!! Sallye

Kay caffey
Little rock, AR
Liked
Wednesday, February 3, 2016

Such an elegant loving lady! The epitome of a Southern belle, so gracious and kind. She left a wonderful legacy in her family!
I lift up prayers for all of you.

TERI VARGA
McSherrystown, PA
Liked
Wednesday, February 3, 2016

A beautiful Lady. My dearest friend is her daughter, Mary Virginia (aka "Deenie"). Deenie has shared so many of her memories of her beloved Mother and Father - I almost feel part of the family! Seeing this picture for Mrs. Kenner, I can see where Deenie gets her beauty and seemless, eternal love for her Heavenly Father and her earthly Mother and Father!

God Bless you, Mrs. Kenner

David R Pruitt
Indianapolis, IN
Liked
Wednesday, February 3, 2016

Blessings to the Kenner Family in loving memory of a most gracious and reverent lady. The Kenners were so important to our family and a special support for my parents. I considered Mrs Kenner a special gift and Jewel to our church I want to thank my childhood friend Shelia Primm for her devotion and as a representative of all the youth that looked up to and admired the always accepting and smiling Mrs Kenner. My mother Louise Pruitt extends her love and thankfulness of a 60 year friendship. Fondness and peace David Pruitt