Students honored MU sophomore Kennedy Carter, who passed away on April 20, at Traditions Plaza on April 24. Kennedy was an active member of her community and campus, and her sorority Phi Mu put on the vigil. 

Kennedy was 19 years old, and her family described her as a hardworking student and beloved friend. 

“A few weeks ago, Kennedy was accepted into the Sinclair School of Nursing through Mizzou after working what seemed like her whole life to get there,” Carley Carter, Kennedy’s sister and Phi Mu alum said in her speech. “She bought her first stethoscope, which her best friend Brooke will be carrying with her throughout nursing school as a reminder that Kennedy is still with her every step of the way. We graciously thank Brooke for taking Kennedy on this journey that she was also supposed to be on.” 

Carley and other members of Kennedy’s family filled the front row at Traditions Plaza and were surrounded by hundreds of students and community members to honor Kennedy’s life. 

Many people in attendance wore pink in honor of Kennedy and Phi Mu. As the vigil began, members of Phi Mu handed out programs, candles and ribbons inscribed with “Ken.” 

“Each one of you here today is wearing a memorial ribbon. Please wear these white ribbons in memory of our Kennedy,” Lily Herbig, Phi Mu’s current chapter president said. 

A table with pink candles, flowers and a collage of photos featuring Kennedy sat on the stage at Traditions Plaza where speakers also addressed the crowd. 

Herbig led the vigil starting with a prayer and thanking everyone for attending. She then introduced Carley, who spoke of fond memories, Kennedy’s accomplishments, her friends and how her family and community will remember her. 

“Kennedy was a beacon of light in our family. She always had a smile on her face when she wasn’t upset about a game of mini golf or making a decision. She knew how to make everyone laugh,” Carley said. “She loved her sherpa jacket, her puppies at home, and most of all, every single person in her very large family. She will be deeply missed by everyone she met along this path of life but we know she is wrapped in such love and grace up in heaven. We love our forever angel.” 

Carley recited a Bible passage and thanked everyone for attending before passing it back over to Herbig to give a tribute. 

“A lovely and precious flower from our garden, Kennedy Grace Carter, has been gathered by God for his heavenly garden. She will be missed here but we know that her beauty is not dead, it will live on forever,” Herbig said. “In loving tribute to our sister, Kennedy Grace Carter, we place this rose colored carnation with these pure white ones as a symbol of her union with those sisters who have passed on.” 

Attendees then stood and joined to sing “Linger,” a song about difficult goodbyes. Herbig led another prayer before attendees sang the Phi Mu benediction song. 

The vigil ended with a moment of silence and time for loved ones, students and community members to share in honoring Kennedy’s memory.   

Edited by Zoe Homan | zhoman@themaneater.com

Copy edited by Lauren Courtney