Mother Oretha Kendrick

Oretha, daughter to the late OV Trice and Grace Trice, began her earthly journey on Monday, June 14, 1926, in Montgomery County, TN. In addition to her parents, her husband, WB Kendrick; children, Ines Heeter, Ailene Toliver, Raymond, Robert and Roy Kendrick preceded her in death.

She accepted Jesus Christ as her personal Lord and Savior at an early age and was a member of Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church ~ Port Royal for over 70 years where she faithfully served on the Mothers Board. She was a woman of God who represented grace, love and peace.

Oretha received her formal education in the Montgomery County Public Schools and attended Hall School.

She united in holy matrimony with WB Kendrick in April 1945 and this union was blessed with nine children. They shared 42 years of wedded bliss before his death in 1987. She raised her family with love and welcomed them with joy.

Oretha was affectionately known as “Momma O”, “Grandma O” or “Grand-Grand”. She had a loving smile for everyone she met. “Momma O” loved to feed people and was the driving force behind our Labor Day reunions for many years. She was always excited to hug and feed as many people as she could. She worked diligently every year making sure things were ready for our reunions and made sure it was a place where everyone felt loved, welcomed and full. She also opened her doors to other children who needed help and a mother’s love. She will be remembered for her famous phrases “I declare” and “Great day”! All who knew and loved her will sorely miss her presence and beautiful smile.

On Wednesday, January 14, 2026, Oretha’s earthly journey ended peacefully as she transitioned home to be with the Lord.

She leaves to cherish precious memories her daughters: Bertha Coe, Indianapolis, IN and Jessie (Lemuel) Perry, Clarksville, TN; sons: John Kendrick and James (Patrice) Kendrick, all of Indianapolis, IN; 12 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, three great-great-grandchildren and a host of other relatives and friends who loved her dearly.