02/14/2026
The Cochran County Historical Commission and Texas’ Last Frontier Historical Museum offer our heartfelt condolences and prayers to the family and loved ones of June “Big Mom” Kennedy as we honor and remember a truly remarkable woman who leaves behind a lasting legacy.
A lifelong resident of Cochran County, June was born in Morton on January 15, 1929 to Zona and Wilbur Woods. She graduated Morton High School in 1946. Later, in October of that same year she married Keith Kennedy. They raised three daughters. June passed away February 11, 2026.
Her life was a testament to faith, strength, and service. She devoted countless hours to preserving the stories, memories, and heritage of the community she loved so deeply. As the founder of our oral history project, she interviewed and recorded the voices of the men and women who endured the hardships of settling Texas’ Last Frontier — ensuring that the history of our county would never be lost to time. Because of her dedication, future generations will continue to hear the stories that shaped the place we call home.
June had an extraordinary gift for storytelling and a true heart for people. Whether sharing cherished memories, guiding visitors through the museum, welcoming newcomers, making someone laugh, offering encouragement, sharing a meaningful passage, or simply praying with those around her, she carried herself with warmth, compassion, wisdom, and quiet strength.
She embraced the next generation with open arms, joyfully welcoming and guiding our Junior Historians, who loved and knew her as “Big Mom.”
Her presence within the walls of this museum and throughout our community was a blessing and our county’s history is richer because of her tireless work and faithful spirit.
We are deeply grateful for the life she lived, the history she preserved, the stories she told, the steadfast faith that guided her every step and the love she shared. She will be missed beyond measure but remembered always in our stories, in our history, and in the heart of this community.
