Chattanooga, Tennessee, August 27, 2025
News Summary
Wetherly Frazier Kennedy, a dedicated educator and community leader in Chattanooga, Tennessee, has passed away at the age of 54. With nearly 30 years of service in Hamilton County Schools, Kennedy was known for her commitment to her students and volunteer work. She leaves behind her husband, two sons, and a legacy of educational impact. A celebration of life service is scheduled, inviting friends and family to reflect on her contributions to the community.
Chattanooga, Tennessee – Wetherly Frazier Kennedy, a respected educator and community leader, passed away on Saturday at the age of 54 following a brief illness. Kennedy spent nearly three decades in the Hamilton County School system, where she was valued for her commitment to education and community involvement.
At the time of her death, Kennedy was working as a reading coach at Orchard Knob Elementary School on Third Street. Her career spanned various institutions including Battle Academy, Thrasher Elementary, and Nolan Elementary School on Signal Mountain. Her dedication was evident even in her final days, as she had been pressure washing the school’s exterior to prepare it for the return of students.
Wetherly Kennedy was married to Mark Kennedy, a columnist who writes for the Chattanooga Times Free Press. The couple’s engagement took place in a memorable moment in 1995 when Mark proposed to Wetherly in a school stairwell while she was teaching at the former 21st Century Academy. Their family life and experiences were a staple of Mark’s columns, showcasing their journey through life together.
Wetherly Kennedy is survived by her husband Mark, their two adult sons, Keeling and Brooks, her mother Gladys Solomon, step-mother Anne Koella Frazier, and five step-siblings: Jon, Lewis “Bummi,” Jenny, Julie, and Will Koella. She was also an active member of White Oak United Methodist Church in Red Bank, Tennessee, where she participated in church missions and outreach programs.
Earlier this year, Kennedy traveled to Kenya with her son Brooks to volunteer at an orphan school, a cause she was passionate about, and was in the process of planning a return trip at the time of her passing. Her contributions to the community, both through education and missionary work, will be remembered by many.
A celebration of life service for Kennedy is planned for Saturday, August 30, at 2 p.m. at White Oak United Methodist Church, with a reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made to the Gateway to Victory Learning Center in Kenya. Specific donation methods will be provided at the service.
The funeral arrangements are being handled by Advantage Funeral & Cremation Services Franklin-Strickland Chapel in Chattanooga, TN. Wetherly’s legacy in the Hamilton County educational system and her dedication to her community will be cherished and remembered by all who knew her.
Background Information
Wetherly Kennedy graduated from Jefferson County High School in Tennessee and earned her degree in elementary education from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. Throughout her career, she was an influential figure in the lives of countless students and demonstrated a profound commitment to education and service, making a lasting impact on her community.
FAQ
What was Wetherly Kennedy’s role in education?
Wetherly Kennedy was a reading coach employed by Orchard Knob Elementary School and had nearly 30 years of experience as an educator in Hamilton County Schools.
When and where will Wetherly Kennedy’s celebration of life service take place?
The celebration of life service is scheduled for Saturday, August 30, at 2 p.m. at White Oak United Methodist Church in Red Bank, Tennessee.
What can people do to honor Wetherly Kennedy’s memory?
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations to be made to the Gateway to Victory Learning Center in Kenya.
Key Features of Wetherly Kennedy’s Life and Contributions
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Age at Passing | 54 |
| Career Duration | Nearly 30 years |
| Schools Worked At | Battle Academy, Thrasher Elementary, Nolan Elementary, Orchard Knob Elementary |
| Family | Husband Mark, Sons Keeling and Brooks, Mother, and Step-family |
| Community Involvement | Member of White Oak United Methodist Church, Volunteered in Kenya |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Dignity Memorial: Wetherly Kennedy
- Chattanooga Times Free Press: Kennedy Family Legacy
- Wikipedia: Education in the United States
- Google Search: Wetherly Kennedy
- Encyclopedia Britannica: United Methodist Church
Author: STAFF HERE CHATTANOOGA WRITER
The CHATTANOOGA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREChattanooga.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Chattanooga, Hamilton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Riverbend Festival, Chattanooga Oktoberfest, and Moon River Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Chattanooga, plus leading businesses in manufacturing, insurance, and utilities that power the local economy such as Volkswagen Chattanooga, BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee, and EPB. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREKnoxville.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
