Uncrowned Community Builders

Ressie Mae was born February 17, 1920 in Wetumka, Oklahoma. Her parents were Cornelius and Willie Green. Ressie's mother died when she was six weeks old and her father died when she was three months old. She was raised by family members and friends of the family for the next 6 years. At six years of age, Ressie moved to Shawnee with her biological sister, who continued to raise her. Ressie received her education at Dunbar High School, which she attended until the 11th grade. She worked as a domestic housekeeper for one dollar per day for many local citizens.

Ressie united with the church where she served on the usher board, W.M.U and was a Den Mother for the Boy Scouts. On May 12, 1945, she married Ben Kennedy. At that time she worked at J.C. Penney's in the stock room. She continued to work there for two years. She returned to domestic housekeeping where she worked for Batchelor's Sewing Machine Shop. She worked one day at the shop and one day in their home. Later she worked 5 days a week in their shop. The shop is currently in business as Batchelor's Card & Gift Shop. Ressie was employed at Batchelor's when they became a Hallmark shop. Batchelor's was also the Western Union provider for Shawnee. Ressie learned to send and receive telegrams. She also enjoyed receiving new merchandise for each holiday and doing the inventory. She stayed with the Batchelor family, assisting both of them until they passed away. This was over 20 years of service to the Batchelor family.

Most of all, however, Ressie has enjoyed her family. She loved cooking and caring for her five sons and one daughter. While Ressie's children were young, she supervised the southside wading pool where she was acquainted with the local children and their parents.

Shawnee was a segregated community and Ressie has seen that change. She has seen the rise and fall of Dunbar and Shawnee economically. Ressie has lived in her home for 42 years. She is still loved and respected by all who know her. Ressie lost her husband in 2004. She has also lost two sons, but is blessed with many grandchildren and great grand children.