Obituary

Iris Jane Schilling Kennedy

September 10, 1949 - September 5, 2025

Iris Jane Schilling Kennedy, age 75, born in Franklinton, LA, a resident of Stateline Community, died on Friday, September 5, 2025 at North Oaks Medical Center in Hammond, LA. Iris was a devoted wife to her husband of 53 years, Richard Kennedy, and a loving mother, sister, grandmother, and aunt. A faithful member of Stateline Baptist Church for more than 50 years, Iris came from Grace Baptist Church in Franklinton, LA where she often played the piano.

Iris fulfilled the role of a Deacon’s wife and was a Christian role model. She was also a prayer warrior who was not afraid to speak about the Lord. Iris loved her Sunday School class and had a close relationship with class members. She loved to sing in the Stateline Church Choir.

Iris was very organized and made lists for the members to volunteer for meals during Revivals and during times of death in the Church. She was also in charge of the Bible School refreshment food list for many years and created specialty items that would relate to the subject of that day’s lesson. She was a great cook who never failed to prepare dishes for the sick and shut-in.

Iris graduated from Franklinton High School and Southeastern Louisiana University where she received her BA Degree and Masters Plus 30. She spent 33 years teaching in the Washington Parish School System, beginning at Varnado High and finishing at Pine High School. Iris enjoyed teaching young people and influenced many lives. She was pleased when many times former students would reach out to her sharing memories of when they were in her class.

Iris was an avid quilter and enjoyed seeking out shops, locally and in the mountains, to buy special materials, often theme fabric, to create a unique quilt for a loved one. She was proud of ribbons won on quilts entered in the Washington Parish Fair. Iris loved the mountains and enjoyed visiting Tennessee and surrounding areas, especially in the fall.

Iris is survived by her husband, Richard; son Jonathan (Alisha) and daughter Chris Ann (James) Parker; grandchildren, Christian and Nathan Kennedy, Caleb Kennedy, and Madison Parker, Justin Mullins (Amber), Jacob Norville (Savannah), and Kyle Parker; brother, Otho (Deb) Schilling, Jr., and sister-in-law, Sherry Schilling; as well as nieces, nephews, and other family members.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Otho and Christine Thomas Schilling, brother, Roy Schilling, and sister-in-law Cheryl Schilling.

Visitation will be at Crain Funeral Home (1109 Bene Street, Franklinton) on Sunday September 7th from 6:00 pm until 9:00 pm. Visitation will continue Monday at Stateline Baptist Church (31384 Hwy. 62, Franklinton, LA 70438) from 9:00 am until 11:00 am. A funeral service will be held in the church at 11:00 am Monday with Bro. Matt Williams and Bro. Trey Jenkins officiating. Burial will follow in the Seal Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family prefers memorial donations, honoring her life, to Stateline Baptist Church at the address above.

Pallbearers: Caleb Kennedy, Christian Kennedy, Nathan Kennedy, Tate Kennedy, Brandon Schilling, Cole Schilling