Patricia Higginbotham Kenerly was born on August 11, 1937 to Leroy and Mary (Woods) Higginbotham in Springfield, Ohio. She attended Elmwood Elementary, Schaefer Junior High, and graduated from Springfield High School in Springfield, Ohio in 1955. Patricia's mother spotted the Kenerly boy in the neighborhood and knew he was a gem, a true young man of character. Later, to her mother's delight, Patricia and Carl were united in holy matrimony and were blessed with forty-seven years of marital bliss. Four beautiful children were added to this union: Carl Vernon Jr., Wayne Alden, Michael Earl, and Carol Jane, their only girl they fondly called "Janie." Sis. Kenerly was raised in the Church of God and had a wonderful mother, who was a godly influence on her life. She was ultimately led to the Lord by her very close friend and sister-in-law, Delores "Tobie" (Higginbotham) Walker. Tobie got saved first, and the change was so convicting that Sis. Kenerly followed. People said it would never last, but she held on to her Savior to the very end. About six months after her conversion, her husband, Carl, saw the change in her life and was won by her chaste conversation and gave his heart to the Lord. After he received his calling to the ministry he later became the Pastor of the Church of God at 1819 W. Washington St. which is now the Church of God, 709 E. Grand Ave. Sis. Kenerly often expressed that she wanted her husband's ministry to be successful and did all she could to support him in every way. Sis. Kenerly loved music, especially piano playing. She worked in many capacities in the Church. She was an original member of the Church of God choir, choir teacher, a Sunday School teacher, Vacation Bible School coordinator for many years, organized lodging for the saints during fellowship meetings and faithfully updated the saints' contact list. She was truly given to hospitality and opened her door countless times. She was a comfort in many sick rooms. Sis. Patricia brightened many brides' lives with her spectacular wedding cakes. Her strawberry filled cakes were an all-time favorite. Sis. Kenerly was multi-talented including giving piano lessons, sewing, and was a great cook. Patricia Higginbotham Kenerly departed this life on December 31, 2016 at 6:50pm in her home, surrounded by her family and saints. Sis. Kenerly was wafted into the portals of glory with singing and prayer. She leaves to cherish her memory her loving sons, Carl Vernon Jr. (Janice) Kenerly of Fort Worth, TX, Wayne Kenerly and Michael (Bethany) Kenerly of Springfield, OH; daughter, Janie Kenerly of Columbus, OH and New Castle, DE; sisters, Shirley Speakes and Juanita Robinson of Springfield, OH, Donna (Bowden) Higginbotham Perkins of Tucson, AZ; brothers, Walter and Donald Higginbotham of Cincinnati, OH; brother-in-law, Thurston Kenerly of Cincinnati, OH; sisters-in-law, Leona Cheatham of Norfolk, VA, Delores (Donald) Walker of Springfield, OH; grandchildren who she adored, Lauren Ashley, Katricia Dalynn, Linzi Allison, Austin DeAndre, Shannon Alori and Shanya Jean; great-granddaughter Beatrice Brenae; honorary grandson Michael Tyler; and special niece, Betty Tatum, nieces and nephews and a host of friends. Sis. Kenerly dearly loved her family and the saints. There were some especially close to her including special daughters, Annett Jones, Leah Wilkerson, Kristi Payne, Robin Freeney, Angela Harris, and Isaura Gonzalez; adopted son Clarence Campbell; special friends, Stella Cavin, Melinda Clark, Linda Creel, and David and Nancy Payne; Janiece Robinson, who lovingly called her "Queen"; her pew partner, Joan Cavin; her little friends, in her birthday club who shared her birthday, John Michael Koveleski, Emma Aria Hunter, Va'Laurie Parris, Kearsten Coleman, and Serenity Kelley. She was preceded in death by her husband, Carl V. Kenerly Sr.; her parents, Leroy and Mary Higginbotham; her brothers, Leroy Sr., Richard, and Robert "Tommy Tucker" Higginbotham; brother-in-law, William Robinson Jr., three special friends, Beatrice Hampton, Rebecca Wilkerson and Ruth Johnson and former pastor, Ronald M. Cavin II. Sis. Kenerly will be missed by all who loved her. We will always remember her beautiful, dimpled smile and her words of wisdom. Although Sis. Kenerly had a quiet spirit, her life spoke volumes. We must always remember to acknowledge God as did Sis. Kenerly when ending her prayers, and would say, "Lord, we thank you for being God and beside Thee there is none other."

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