Oni Afyia Tsemai Kennedy

https://vimeo.com/event/5164691 Oni Afyia Tsemai Kennedy was born on August 15, 1980, in Brooklyn, New York. She was the fourth child in the union of her phenomenal parents, Owen Ivan Kennedy and Claudette Doreen Thames Kennedy. Oni served as her family's radiant light with her infectious laughter and positivity, making every challenge a possibility. On May 18, 2025, she closed her eyes to reunite with her parents, her big brother Darrell Kennedy Sr., her grandparents, and took her seat at the table with our ancestors. She came into this world on her own terms and left on her own terms, at home, surrounded by love and laughter. Oni's educational adventure started in Brooklyn at PS 198, until the family moved to Florida where she attended Coral Gables Elementary School. Oni returned to New York in the third grade with her little sister Doreen, to join her paternal grandmother Urceline Simmons and her big sister Camille Doherty. It was at CS 134 that she met her lifelong sister Cianni Rivera-Joseph. They would go on to attend St. John Chrysostom School in the Bronx until eighth grade. Oni went on to graduate from Cardinal Spellman High School in the Bronx (Class of 1999) where she expanded her circle of sisters to include Racquel and Latifa. Oni attended Morgan State University in Maryland, but would later continue her education at LaGuardia Community College in NYC, earning her Associate Degree in Business. During this time her grandmother Miss Simmons encouraged her to get a job at a car rental place across the street from her place of employment. Who knew that 24 years ago, taking that job as an Avis Customer Service Representative would turn into her passion? Oni served as an Airport Duty Manager at Avis Budget Group, where her attention to detail, grace under pressure, and genuine care for others made her a pillar in her field. For her 30th birthday in 2010, she took a leap of faith and decided to make Atlanta, Georgia her home. In 2017, she decided to bet on herself and went out for her own Avis franchise, proud of becoming her own boss. She continued her studies, earning a Business Management degree at Georgia State University in 2021. Oni's love for travel was matched only by her love for good conversation, beautiful designs, a well-packed suitcase, and the perfect pair of sneakers. Her laugh filled every room, and her honesty was always grounded in love, even when it cut close. She was passionate about fitness and was a devoted member of Planet Fitness gym, where she found camaraderie and joined "The Wolf Pack." She was and will always be the heartbeat of her family — The Auntie, as everyone called her — always showing up. Whether cheering on a niece, spoiling a nephew, or flying across the country to support family milestones, she held it down like only she could. She is survived by her sisters Camille (John) Doherty Jr., Ayisa Kennedy, and Doreen (Chris) Dockery; her beloved nieces and nephews: Darrell Jr., Jarod, Detavian, Steven, Christian, Mureen, Theodore, London, Adonis, Zarai and Jordyn. Her bonus siblings Karen & Annmarie LeGall, Andre (Jennifer), Tyrone (Samantha), Eddie Walker, her Godbrother Greg (Annie) Rhem. Her aunts, uncles and cousins, God Children, her beloved loyal fur babies, Onyx and Blue Ivy - her two shadows, travel companions, and cherished companions. her Avis Family, her sister in Avis Veronica Clarke, and a multitude of friends she called Sisters & Brothers. Her legacy is one of fierce loyalty, bold love, and an unstoppable presence. She didn’t just show up — she showed out. Oni moved through this world with style, strength, and grace. Even in her fight, she was an inspiration to never give up; living every moment to the fullest and enjoying everything life sent her way. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered. Lovingly submitted by the family.

Tributes

Oni Afyia Tsemai Kennedy

August 15, 1980 - May 18, 2025