Edna Dodd Kendall passed away peacefully on January 26, 2023, at the age of 89 surrounded by her loving family. Edna was sprite in mind and spirit to those who knew her best. She kept up with the trends and of course her beloved Mississippi State Bulldogs. Of all things in life, she loved most her family. She was especially proud of the accomplishments of her children and grandchildren. She would brag to anyone who would listen. Edna had a vigor for life, travel, the arts, and service. She was a devoted mother, grandmother (known to her grandchildren as “Moka”), quick-witted businesswoman, and was an inspiration and close friend to many.
Born in Aberdeen, MS, on July 9, 1933, Edna spent most of her early years in Aberdeen and graduated from Aberdeen High School. At a young age, she married the love of her life, Jack Michael Kendall. As an Army wife, Edna lived in Germany before moving to Columbus, OH, Warner Robins, GA and finally landing in the Rocket City in the 60’s. In their earlier days, Jack worked at NASA while Edna turned Huntsville into a home with two children. In 1972, they both started a picture frame company, Art Mart. Art Mart later turned into Kendall Hartcraft, a nationwide picture frame business.
In addition to being one of the few female business owners in Huntsville, Edna made her mark on the community. She shared her avid enthusiasm and knowledge of the arts through her volunteer work with the Huntsville Museum of Art. She was a docent for over twenty years and was also actively involved in the Women’s Guild at the Huntsville Museum of Art. She also attended and supported the Huntsville Symphony Orchestra for many years. In her spare time, she exuded a servant’s heart by organizing meals for members of the First United Methodist Church.
A trailblazer, she implemented a vision into a thriving company as a woman in the 70’s. Edna also felt called to fight for adoption rights. She worked alongside close friends in the Adoptive Parents Association of Alabama and successfully lobbied for change in the archaic adoption laws in the state. She was a leader of change and had a very positive impact on adoption policy laws in the State of Alabama. Her legacy of work ethic and drive continues to live within her children and so many that were close to her.
Survivors include daughter, J.J. Shoemake and husband, Jason; son, Wes Kendall and wife, Suzanne; brother, Jimmy Lee Dodd; sister, Joanne Owings; sister-in-law, Becky Kendall Phillips; and her grandchildren, Katy Kirkpatrick and husband, Todd, Julia Shoemake, Julianna Kendall, Jackson Kendall and wife, Mallory, and John Kendall; and many loved nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Jack Michael Kendall; father, Hiram Wesley Dodd; mother, Julia Alice Cook Dodd; sister, Helen Pruitt; brother, Albert Dodd and wife, Doris; sister-in-law, Sarah Dodd; sister-in-law Julia Clark and her husband, Fred; Betty Hollingworth and her husband, Bobby; and brother-in-law, Willis Owings.
A celebration of life will be held at Laughlin Service Funeral Home, Huntsville, AL, on Sunday, January 29, 2023, with a visitation at 9:00 AM, followed by a short service at 10:00 AM. After, a graveside service will be held at Maple Hill Cemetery at 11:00 AM, where she will be laid to rest aside her beloved late husband.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Docent Program at the Huntsville Museum of Art or First United Methodist Church.
