In Memory | Pastor Phyllis Kennedy, Houston Gospel Leader and Recording Artist

Pastor Phyllis Renae Kennedy, a gospel recording artist, choir director, and pastor whose work spanned music ministry and worship leadership, died January 28. She was 67.

Born May 29, 1957, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Kennedy began her music involvement at an early age, joining the Prestonians Community Choir. After relocating with her family to Houston, Texas, in 1973, she continued her musical development and, at age 16, became choir director at New Community Baptist Church. There, she organized a 100-voice choir known as New Children of Christ alongside Darryl Rushing.

Kennedy went on to compose numerous gospel songs and release several albums, including I Am Determined and Gotta Keep on Moving. Her recordings featured collaborations with local and national gospel artists, including John P. Kee.

Phyllis Kennedy Bolden & New Children Of Christ Community Choir – In The Gloryland (1982)

New Community Baptist Church Mass Choir – I Am Determined (1983)

She later founded the Reborn Crusade Choir and the gospel group Anointed Power.

In addition to her solo and group work, Kennedy established the All Nations in Praise (A.N.I.P.) conference, a worship and music gathering that produced multiple live recordings. Albums released through the conference include Let the Praises Go Up (2002), Thanks for Everything (2005), and It’s Praise Time in the House (2010).

Minister Phyllis Kennedy Presents All Nations in Praise Praise and Worship Conference Choir – It’s Praise Time In The House (2010)

In later years, she released additional songs, including It’s a Good Day and God Is With You.

Pastor Phyllis Kennedy – God is with You (2023)

Kennedy also published written works, including She Just Wanted to Preach and a devotional journal titled My Morning Worship and Meditation: 21 Days of Joy.

She was ordained under Pastors Kenneth and Cynthia Skelton of Spirit of Life Church and later served as Minister of Music for more than 15 years at The Fellowship of Enlightenment. In 2017, she founded Impartation Worship Center in Houston.

Kennedy was preceded in death by her parents, Bishop L.A. Kennedy and Lady Anna Kennedy, and her brother, Mark Kennedy. She is survived by her children, siblings, grandchildren, extended family, and members of Impartation Worship Center.

Viewing
Saturday, February 7, 2026 9:00AM – 11:00AM Fellowship of Enlightenment 9005 N. Wayside Dr. Houston, TX 77028

Celebration of Life Service
Saturday, February 7, 2026 11:00AM Fellowship of Enlightenment 9005 N. Wayside Dr. Houston, TX 77028