Frances Carolyn McKenzie

Frances “Carolyn” McKenzie 1944-2014 Frances Carolyn McKenzie, 69, passed away Thursday evening at her home surrounded by her family. She was born on Nov. 26, 1944 in Atmore, Alabama to the late Raymond and Edna Smith. In addition to her loving parents, she was preceded in death by her brothers, Rayford Smith and Theodore Smith; and her sisters, Mattie Austin and Dorothy Sherrer. She was married for 50 years to, and is survived by her loving and devoted husband James “Dickie” McKenzie. Together, they shared and she is survived by five children, Marilyn Bess, James McKenzie, Jr. (Donna), Angela Millender (husband Dino), Tracy McKenzie (wife Maria), and Darnell Rich (husband Jan). She was the Grandmother to and is survived by 12 grandchildren, Cassie Skinner (husband Sean), Clinton Bess, James Bess, Zachary Wenzel, Darlene Millender (Michael Dasher), Megan Millender (Jerrod Hunter), Cody McKenzie, Brett McKenzie (Bailey Maddox), Haley McKenzie, Logan McKenzie, Marshall Rich and Brandon Wagner. She was the Great Grandmother to and is survived by Preslee Dasher, Aubree Hunter and was expecting one more. Carolyn is also survived by her sisters and best friends, Margie Carnley (husband James), Sheila Fletcher (husband Michael), Shirley Postlewaite and Rachel McKenzie; her brother, Terry Smith (wife Debbie); and well loved by many nieces and nephews. Carolyn was a devoted homemaker, but also worked for many years in her family's business, Smith’s Bait and Tackle. Her customers will remember her for her quick wit and her kind words. Carolyn will be best remembered by her family as a woman of limitless strength, compassion and faith. Her door was always open and there was always room at her table. You could always gather at her home and receive support during hard times, sound, honest advice when you needed it, but most importantly, much love and laughter. She shared a great love and devotion with her soul mate and partner in life, Dickie. She has been the ultimate example of complete love and commitment to marriage and family for all. She was not a woman who required material possessions, but she was wealthy beyond measure in the love that she shared with her family. Her relationship with her sisters was unique, as they remained best friends throughout their lives. Her children devoted themselves to her care until the end of her life. She was described by one of her grandchildren as his best friend; a rock through good times and bad. She’s also been described as “a mom to us all”. She will be greatly missed. Her family would like to extend a special thank you to Cheryl Gleason, RN who provided hospice care during the last months of Carolyn’s life. Funeral services will be held at 12 p.m. on Monday, July 21, 2014 at Faith Chapel Funeral Home North with Rev. Jason Adams, officiating. Burial will follow in Bayview Memorial Park Cemetery. Family will receive friends from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, July 20, 2014 at the funeral home.

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Frances Carolyn McKenzie

November 26, 1944 - July 17, 2014