Gussie L Kendrick

Gussie Lee Babb-Kendrick was born in Rome, Georgia, on May 23, 1945, to the late Edward James Babb and Agnes Louise Nichols Babb. She was preceded in death by her sister, Sheryl Lynn, and her three brothers, Edward Jr., Thomas Wayne, and Eugene, as well as her children, David and Cordele, and her grandchildren, Zeppelin DeRay, LaDan DeRay, and King David Babb. 

Gussie attended Springfield Baptist Church in Bedford, Ohio, under the guidance of Reverend Jessie Hart before relocating to Cleveland, Ohio. While in Cleveland, she became an active member of Open-Door Baptist Church and later joined Grace Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. Walter Boykins Jr. At Grace, Gussie was the Evangelist Leader, Finance Ministry Leader, and Secretary of the Prayer Partners and the Mass Choir. 

In her educational journey, Gussie attended the Bedford, Ohio, School System and later graduated from Whiting Business College at Cleveland Works and Dret Trade School. She worked for ABC Accounting Service for 14 years, advancing from a typist to a supervisor. She then supervised encoders at ABC Check Cashing, and later, Gussie took a position at Cleveland City Hall under former Mayor Mike White, where she addressed constituent concerns. She eventually became Office Manager at Cleveland Thermal Energy, where she retired after 23 years of dedicated service. 

Gussie was known for her deep love and unwavering care for her family, always putting them first and making sacrifices for their well-being. She was a dedicated professional with a sharp mind and a meticulous nature, earning the nickname "Fussy Gussie" because she believed in doing things right the first time. She was direct and held herself and others to high standards, qualities that commanded respect and left no doubt about where she stood. Gussie thrived in mentally challenging games such as chess, dominoes, card games, and the casino. She also had a beautiful voice and loved to sing. She cherished being part of her church family and faithfully contributed to its well-being. A good conversationalist with a fantastic sense of humor, Gussie left a lasting impression on everyone she encountered. She made people laugh, think, and feel seen. 

Even after retirement, Gussie continued to work, engaging in voter registration campaigns, medical billing for the Census Bureau, and working with the city of Cleveland. She just couldn't stop working. 

In her final days, Gussie expressed her readiness to be with the Lord. She passed away on January 1, 2026. 

Gussie is survived by her beloved husband McKoy Kendrick; her children Charlette, Mark, Dan, Eric, Ollie, Tameka, and Kendra Babb; numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren; nieces, nephews; sisters Jacqueline Cheatham, Geraldine Houff, Patsy Lowe, Phyllis Babb, and Wanda Babb. She will be dearly missed by her entire family and many friends. 

A Public Viewing will be held on January 9, 2026, from 3:00PM to 5:00PM at the House Of Peace Funeral Home, 4105 East 71st Street, Cleveland, OH. A Celebration of Life service will be held on January 10, 2026, with a 10:00AM Wake and 10:30AM Service at Grace Missionary Baptist Church, 3742 E 131st St, Cleveland, OH. Pastor Ivory Jones, Eulogist. Interment will be at Cleveland Memorial Gardens Cemetery, 4324 Green Rd, Highland Hills, OH.

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