God made a decision to visit the Listach Family once again, so on December 24, 2022, He sent one of his angels and chose the Matriarch of the Listach Family, our beloved Cora Listach Fitch Kendall.  She was born April 11, 1929, in Natchitoches Louisiana, the eldest of seven children, to the late Annie Gillie Listach and Nora Listach, Sr.

She surrendered her life to Christ at an early age and was converted and baptized under the pastorate of the late Rev. John Gains of Saint Savior Baptist Church in Natchitoches, Louisiana.  She immediately became involved in church activities by participating in church pageants, reciting orations and served as the secretary of Sunday school for many years.  She taught Sunday school until she left for college.  In 1954, she was wed to Farris Allen Fitch, who preceded her in death in 1963 in Cincinnati, Ohio.  In 1956, she moved to Cincinnati and in 1958, she united with Zion Baptist Church and remained active and faithful until 1983.  In 1983, she joined St. John AMEZ Church where her late husband, The Reverend Dr. George Kendall was pastor and presiding Elder of the Columbus/Cincinnati District of the AMEZ Church.  In 1992, after the death of Reverend Kendall, she rejoined Zion Baptist Church and remained an active, faithful member until she became ill.

Her early education began and was completed at Central High School in Natchitoches, Louisiana.  She then attended Southern University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, earning a B.A. degree in Elementary Education.  She attended and earned a Master of Arts degree from Colorado State College of Education in Greely Colorado.  She attended the University of Cincinnati and earned a second Master's degree in Educational Administration.  She earned a Doctorate Degree in Education from Nova University in Fort Lauderdale Florida in 1976.  An Honorary Doctorate of Humanities degree was conferred upon her by the International Apostolic College of Grace and Truth.

She was a member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, Top Ladies of Distinction, Inc., Nakabouts Bridge Club, Charter member of the Board of Directors of the Greater Cincinnati Mortgage Counseling Service, Board of Directors of the Lincoln Crawford Nursing Home, and the first African-American member of the Cincinnati Public Employees Credit Union.  Dr. Kendall was president of the General Missionary Society at Zion Baptist Church, President and member of Deborah #4 Missionary Society, member of Zion's nominations committee, served as Chairperson of the Women's day in 1966 and 1996 at Zion Baptist Church.

Dr. Kendall taught at St. Matthew Elementary School in Natchitoches where she was also the basketball coach and refereed games.  She taught at Heberle and North Avondale Schools and became Assistant Principal at North Avondale and Carson Elementary Schools in Cincinnati.  She served 7 years at Millvale Primary School as Principal which she claimed as a very busy, but most productive education assignment.  She was the first woman promoted to Area Director of Cincinnati Schools from which she retired in 1981.

Cora's life was lived as one of educational pursuits, dedication, loyalty, honesty, integrity, dependability, always giving to others with love and a strong abiding faith in God.  She comes from a family of educators. Her motto was "Let my work speak for me".  She received several awards for the works that she did.  She made a positive impact upon those she knew and loved.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Nora Listach Sr., one brother Nora Listach Jr. (Mary-deceased), three sisters, Audrey Listach Kellis (Edward-deceased), Learmia Listach Conerly (Richard-deceased) and Gloria Listach Henderson (Freddie-deceased); two husbands, Farris Fitch and George Kendall.  She leaves to cherish her memory, one sister Gracie Rucker of Cincinnati, Ohio and one brother, John Lewis Listach (Edna) of Cincinnati, Ohio, a host of nieces and nephews, and a special friend, Mr. William (Bill) Dawson.  She was very proud of the many accomplishments they have all made.  She was the God Mother to several loved ones (Freddie Henderson Jr., Stevie & Cherie Bassette, Karole Poole & Christian Goodly) stepmother to Vera Preston (James), James Kendall and Donald Kendall, Step-grandmother of Gordon, Nedra & Courtney and Step-great grandmother of 6 and a host of other loved ones, family and friends.  She remained in contact with members of the Fitch family.

"Farewell to all, farewell to life's challenges and Hello eternal life"

Love,

Cora