Betty Ann Kennedy (March 13, 1930 – October 30, 2016) was an American bridge player from Shreveport, Louisiana. [1] [2] She won five world championships, including four from 1974 to 1984 in partnership with Carol Sanders of Tennessee and the 2003 Venice Cup. [3] Analyst Eric Kokish wrote concerning the 2003 final match that "Kennedy was a standout, doing virtually nothing wrong." [1]
She studied bridge on her doctor's recommendation when she suffered from encephalitis and consequent depression. [4] Sanders and Kennedy were known as "the Southern Belles" or simply "The Belles". [4] They compiled 10 NABC wins and 8 runners-up together. [5]
In 1993 Kennedy became the second woman to receive the Louisiana Hall of Fame Award. [1] [6] She was inducted into the ACBL Hall of Fame in 2005. [7] She received the ACBL's annual sportsmanship award in 2011. [8]
Kennedy and her husband Jack, another bridge player, had four children. [1] She died in Shreveport on October 30, 2016, at the age of 86 after a fall. [9]
Betty Ann Kennedy (March 13, 1930 – October 30, 2016) was an American bridge player from Shreveport, Louisiana. [1] [2] She won five world championships, including four from 1974 to 1984 in partnership with Carol Sanders of Tennessee and the 2003 Venice Cup. [3] Analyst Eric Kokish wrote concerning the 2003 final match that "Kennedy was a standout, doing virtually nothing wrong." [1]
She studied bridge on her doctor's recommendation when she suffered from encephalitis and consequent depression. [4] Sanders and Kennedy were known as "the Southern Belles" or simply "The Belles". [4] They compiled 10 NABC wins and 8 runners-up together. [5]
In 1993 Kennedy became the second woman to receive the Louisiana Hall of Fame Award. [1] [6] She was inducted into the ACBL Hall of Fame in 2005. [7] She received the ACBL's annual sportsmanship award in 2011. [8]
Kennedy and her husband Jack, another bridge player, had four children. [1] She died in Shreveport on October 30, 2016, at the age of 86 after a fall. [9]