Obituary of Nora Hardison Kennel ~ 2003

Transcribed by Joan S Dunn

Source: The News & Observer Feb 11 2003

KENNEL'S BEACH - Nora Hardison Kennel passed away peacefully at her home on
Friday night. 
She was born on November 15, 1913, in Arapahoe, NC to James and Ella 
Hardison. 
She was the last living of seven brothers and sisters.  
Nora played basketball at Arapahoe High School and graduated Valedictorian 
in 1931. She married Phil "Lefty" Kennel in 1934 and became a dedicated 
homemaker and community servant in New Bern and Arapahoe for the rest of 
her life. They were married for 61 years.  
She was active in the Order of Eastern Star, serving as Worthy Matron in 
the 1950's. She was active in the Woman's Club for many years and was New 
Bern's Woman of the Year in 1969. Up until five years ago she gave annual 
citizenship speeches at naturalization ceremonies. Governor Hunt appointed 
her to the State Mental Health Board, and she spent many years supporting 
Cherry Hospital in Goldsboro in a variety of roles.  
Nora was a life long member of Bethany Christian Church (Disciples of 
Christ) in Arapahoe. She was Bethany's first woman Elder and held Elder 
Emeritus status at the time of her death. She also served in many roles 
with the North Carolina Regional Christian Church.  
She was always active in public education support. She served on the 
Craven County School Board in welcoming the end of racial segregation. For 
the past six years she worked closely with the Arapahoe Charter School in 
landscaping, reading with children, being a "Granny on a Bus", and 
contributing financial resources. She was aware that on Saturday the 
gymnasium at the school was to be named in her honor.  
Nora was a self-effacing, generous woman who loved God, loved her family, 
and loved almost anyone with whom she came in contact. Those knowing her 
from family, church, school, and community relationships returned such 
love in abundance.  
Nora is survived by her son, Robert Kennel, of Holly Springs, NC, and 
Jennie Kennel Adams of Kennel's Beach. She is preceded in death by her 
daughter, Charlotte Kennel Blackwood, and her husband, Phil Kennel. 
She has four grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.  
Viewing will be 6-9:00 pm, Tuesday evening at the Bryant Funeral Home on 
Route 55 in Alliance, Pamlico County.  
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday at Bethany 
Christian Church in Arapahoe followed by internment in the Hardison Family 
Cemetery.  
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Nora's name to Bethany 
Christian Church or to the Arapahoe Charter School, Arapahoe, NC 28510.





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