Jewel Dean Kennemer, age 98, of Athens, Alabama, passed away peacefully on May 20, 2026. Born on June 24, 1927, in Pettusville, Alabama, she was the daughter of the late William Thomas Rochell and Sally Powers Rochell.
Mrs. Kennemer was a faithful member of Market Street Church of Christ and retired from Delphi Automotive after many years of dedicated service. She was known for her loving and generous spirit, her delicious home-cooked meals, and the joy she found in spending time with her family. Jewel enjoyed gardening, browsing thrift stores and yard sales, and creating cherished memories with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Her home was always a place of warmth, laughter, and love.
She is survived by her daughters, Joyce Kennemer Bates and Judy Kennemer Davis (Dugan); grandchildren, Leigh Ellen Elliott (Jamey), Ken Bates, and Monica Daws (Kevin); great-grandchildren, Davis Elliott, Jack Elliott, Hunter Daws and Britney Carter; and great-great-grandchildren, Hensley, Maggie, and Henry. She also leaves behind numerous extended family members and friends who will miss her dearly.
Mrs. Kennemer was preceded in death by her parents, William Thomas Rochell and Sally Powers Rochell, and by her beloved husband, Henry Hollis Kennemer.
Visitation will be held on Friday, May 22, 2026, from 12:00 p.m. until 1:45 p.m. at Limestone Chapel Funeral Home. Funeral services will follow at 2:00 p.m. in the chapel with David Cox and her grandchildren officiating. Interment will follow at Roselawn Cemetery.
Pallbearers will be Ken Bates, Hunter Daws, Halston Carter, Grady Paul Vance, Jamey Elliott, Kevin Daws, Davis Elliott, and Jack Elliott.
The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the caregivers and staff who provided comfort and compassionate care during Jewel’s final days.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Hospice of Limestone County in her memory.
Jewel’s legacy of faith, kindness, devotion to family, and servant’s heart will continue to live on in the lives of all who knew and loved her.
