Gail Kennedy Nordan

Gail Kennedy Nordan, 81, of Raleigh, North Carolina, entered into God’s kingdom on Wednesday, September 20, 2023. She was born, Lynn Gail Taylor on November 17, 1941, to Louis Linwood and Kathleen Gurganus Taylor in New Bern, North Carolina.

Gail graduated from New Bern High School in 1960. She was tiny in stature but her big personality stood out in the many clubs she belonged to. She was a member of the Glee Club, Nurses Club, Dramatics Club, Bear Club, Bruin Club, Tri-Hi-Y, Steering Committee, Typing Club, serving as vice-president and later president as a Bruinette, baton twirling herself right into a Homecoming Candidate.

Gail was a devout Christian and a very compassionate person. She was quick to facilitate prayer for her family and friends, even praying for many she’d never met. She loved her family, friends and pets with her whole heart. She had the ability to make anyone feel comfortable, so they could just be themselves. She taught her children to be loving, always. She loved warm weather, shagging to beach music and QVC shopping, always buying two of everything. Gail loved clothes and makeup and it showed, she had jewelry to match every outfit. Shortly before her retirement from the Secretary of State’s office, she and her husband, J.R., moved to Willow Springs, North Carolina. There, they joined Friendly Chapel Church, where she shared in fellowship with many good friends, sang in the Choir and shared in spreading His word. After her husband’s passing, she decided to move back to Raleigh to be closer to her family.

Gail is survived by her son, Mark Taylor Kennedy, and his wife Heather, of Apex, NC; her daughter, Lisa Michelle Kennedy, of Raleigh, NC; daughter-in law, Christina Healy Kennedy, of Banner Elk, NC, and her five granddaughters, Sarah Kennedy Jones, and her husband Colby, of Knightdale, NC; Kailyn Kennedy Oakley, and her husband Cody, of Raleigh, NC; Mary Grace Kennedy, of Wilmington, NC; Emma Rose Kennedy and Hannah Elisabeth Kennedy of Apex, NC. Gail was predeceased by her husband, James Roy (J.R.) Nordan, her eldest son, Michael Tod Kennedy, and her adored dog, Chazz.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Gail’s name to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or the SPCA of Wake County, both of these organizations were important to her.

Services will be held on Saturday, September 30, 2023, 11:30 a.m., at Friendly Chapel Church located at 11455 NC-50, Benson, NC 27504.