Elmira Kennard died Tuesday, Aug. 25, 2009, at River Region Medical Center. She was 83.

Born in Warren County, Mrs. Kennard lived in Chicago for 35 years and retired as hotel manager from the Holiday Inn.

She was a member of Mount Zion M.B. Church, Ballground, where she served as a church mother, assistant superintendent and Sunday school treasurer.

She was preceded in death by her husband, John Kennard; her parents, Gabel Ragan and Mary Branch; a sister, Georgia Johnson; and a brother, Coleman Ragan.

Survivors include three brothers, Willie Leroy Ragan and Melvin Ragan, both of Redwood, and Elmore Ragan of Stone Mountain, Ga.; six sisters, Clora Foster, Marsnee White, Lela Lewis and Minnie Scott, all of Redwood, and Ida Fisher and Carrie Flowers, both of Vicksburg; and nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Dillon-Chisley Funeral Home has charge of arrangements.