Mary "Jean" Kendall

On Thursday, December 18, 2025, in the early morning, Mary Jean Kendall, was called to her heavenly home. She had been a resident of the Baptist Memorial Nursing Home in Calhoun City, MS for the last year. Jean was born July 20, 1941, in Bentley, MS to the late Leroy Bush and the late Maudie Bush.

Jean attended Bethlehem Church in her younger years and was baptized in the waters of Buck Creek in Bentley, MS. She was a woman of admirable strength! She married Harold Kendall of Vardaman in 1958. They began their family in 1962 with the birth of their first son, Frankie, and then their daughter, Lisa, in 1966, and their last son, Michael, in 1967.

Jean became a widow in November 1967, only a short six weeks after the birth of Michael. She worked numerous jobs throughout her life to raise and support her three children alone. Not only did she love and care for her own, Jean was also known as Mama Jean and Mamaw Kendall to many other kids! So many in Vardaman have said throughout their life that they would have gone hungry or not had a warm place to sleep many nights had it not been for her! Jean was a woman of simplicity, but one of the most selfless, hard-working, loving, and determined!

Jean is preceded in death by her husband, Harold; her son, Frankie; her parents, Leroy and Maudie Bush; sisters, Shirley Barnette, Betty Massey, Linda Gail Voyles, Jesse White, Ruth Weeks, and a brother, Bill Bush.

She leaves behind her daughter, Lisa Kendall; son, Michael Kendall (Kim) all of Vardaman, MS; grands and great grands, Kyle Kendall (Allie- Landon, Mallie Kate, Kane); Forrest Kendall (Marley-Alla James, Steelie, Krew); Billy Kyle Kendall (Hayden, Emerie); Alana Howell (Seth, Gage, Lily) and a sister, Lorene Ward of Benton, AR.

Mama Jean just made Heaven a sweeter place for all of her loved ones to desire. That desire can only be filled by believing and walking with Jesus. (John 3:16) As her family did not say goodbye to her, they said, "We will see you soon!"

Funeral services will be at Parker Memorial Funeral Home in Vardaman, MS. The family extends an invite to a visitation on Saturday, December 20, 2025, from 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM. Funeral Services will immediately follow at 12:00 PM, with Phil Lucius bringing her remembrance and words of encouragement to others to follow our Lord Jesus Christ. Burial will be at Hillcrest Cemetery in Vardaman, MS.

Pallbearers include Kyle Kendall, Forrest Kendall, Landon Love, Kane Kendall, Chipper Moore, Jack Moore, Kenneth Walls, Greg Lovorn, Clifton Cardwell. Along with Honorary Pallbearers: Krew Kendall and all those that Mamaw Kendall loved and fed a meal or two or three throughout her life!

The family asks for no foods personally, but rather donate a meal or help a family in need during the holiday in memory of Jean.

The family would like to extend a special thanks for the love and care to Gentiva Hospice, BMNH, and Dr Bradley. You all spoiled Jean with love, and our simple words can never express our appreciation to you.