Melba Jean McKenzie

Melba Jean McKenzie, beloved mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away on November 19, 2023, at the Rosedale Green Care Center. Melba was the youngest of four children, born on January 4, 1937, in Lakeland, Florida, to Ira and Ethel Vickers.  

Melba was a loving and supportive wife to her husband, Don, helping him achieve his doctoral degree and pursue his dreams as a professional counselor.  Over the years, she enjoyed raising her children and volunteering in the missions and youth ministries of the Church of the Nazarene.  After Don's passing, Melba's caring nature and passion for nurturing others led her to become a Nurse (LPN) at Meridian Nursing Home in Lakeland, FL.  She was known and loved by all for her kindness, gentle touch, and her precious smile.

Melba found joy in various hobbies and interests. She delighted in hosting and cooking delicious meals for family and friends. She was also a talented seamstress, creating many of her own and her children's clothes over the years. 

Melba's unwavering faith in Jesus was the cornerstone of her life.  She was a second-generation, lifetime member of the Nazarene Church, and in recent years, a member of Immanuel Church of Nazarene in Highland Heights.  She had a passion for Nazarene World Missions and served for many years on local and district level missionary councils. Her dedication to spreading the love and compassion of her Savior left an indelible impact on those around her.

Above all else, Melba cherished time spent with her family. She adored her loving children: Donald H. (Sheri) McKenzie, Jr., of Hebron, John E. (Christine) McKenzie of Cincinnati, and Janet McKenzie Pope of Ft. Wright. Melba was a proud grandmother to nine grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren, who brought immense joy and light into her life.

Melba McKenzie was preceded in death by her husbands Donald H. McKenzie (1978) and Floyd Ray McKenzie (2016), as well as her parents, Ira and Ethel Vickers. She was also preceded in death by her brothers, John and Jimmy Vickers, and sister Anna Louise Pickett. While the loss of Melba leaves a void in the hearts of those who knew and loved her, she leaves behind a legacy of love, compassion, and unwavering faith.

Visitation will be held on Monday, November 27th, 2023, from 2:00 PM to the hour of service at 4:00PM, all in Ronald B. Jones Funeral Home, 316 Elm Street, Ludlow, KY 41016.   

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, November 29^th, 2023, from 10:00AM  to 11:30AM at Higgs Funeral Home, 7471 Eastman Road, Soperton, GA 30457

She will be laid to rest beside her beloved husband, Don, in Westview Cemetery, in Soperton, GA,  on Wednesday, Nov 29, 2023, with a graveside service at 11:45AM. 

Memorial contributions are suggested to NMI - Memorial Roll | Church of the Nazarene.
https://nazarene.org/who-we-are/organization/ministries/nazarene-missions-international/nmi-memorial-roll

Ronald B. Jones Funeral Home is serving the family.