Mae Sue McKenzie
From Earth to Glory Celebrating the Homegoing of
Mae Sue McKenzie Sunrise August 23, 1926
Sunset August 7, 2017
Wednesday, August 16, 2017 12:00 P.M.
Dortch–Williamson Funeral & Cremation Services 1410 Highway 138 S.W. Riverdale, Georgia 30296
Obituary On August 23, 1926, the world was granted a beautiful baby girl, Mae Sue McKenzie who changed the lives of many. She was born in Attalla, Alabama to the late Alfonza and Mattie White. Mae Sue, affectionately called by most “Big Mama” was a special gift, not only to her parents, but every life she gracefully touched. She was preceded in death by her parents: Alfonza and Mattie White; children: Alfonza Wade, Jessie Wade, and Wilmasue Wade; grandson, Terrance Hill; sister, Grace; and brothers: Leroy and Junior. Big Mama passed away peacefully in her sleep on Monday, August 7, 2017 at approximately 11:45 pm in Fayetteville, Georgia. She went to be with her beloved Robert and Heavenly Father in heaven. Mae Sue was educated in Attalla, Alabama Public School and as she grew, matured into a dedicated, loving, and nice young lady. Big Mama faithfully studied Jehovah Witness for over 30 years and has passed that knowledge onto her children and others. She enjoyed talking about the bible with her study group weekly. She gained deep lasting friendships with other Jehovah Witnesses that she calls family now. After her education, she met her first love George Wade in Alabama where they married and had twelve beautiful children. Sadly, after his death she moved her family to Atlanta, Georgia where she then started her career at Dobbs House in 1964 as a baker and cook. She loved her job and brought her talent home with the wonderful dishes she prepared every day. The table dinner was surrounded by family and friends that brought love and laughter into her home. She then found the love of her life in Robert McKenzie, where they married and had one last wonderful child together. The couple lived happily for over 20 years until his death. Afterwards, she retired from Dobbs House in 1989. After retiring, Mae Sue continued raising her children and instilling hard work and dedication in them. She continued to enjoy cooking, making a large feast every weekend and made sure everyone had more than enough to eat, even when she did not have enough for herself. She took in many and raised them as her own, Big Mama loved more than anything was to be with her family. Mae Sue had a great sense of humor and loved to tell jokes that brightened everyone’s day. Her and her family could be with each other for hours talking, playing card games, watching television, and enjoying one another’s company. She also enjoyed listening to her 50s and 60s old school jams. Being an adventurous woman, Big Mama loved to travel across the world, especially on cruises. Her other favorite places to visit were Hawaii, Bahamas, Alabama, and Las Vegas. When travelling she loved to relax and take risks to be the maker of her own life. She was a highly positive woman and knew something good would come out of the chances she took. In addition to her love for children, Big Mama loved animals as well. She has cared for multiple dogs and had a loving parrot named Paco that she couldn’t live without. Her and Paco spent plenty of time together talking and watching television. She loved him as much as he loved her. Big Mama was the glue to the family, with thirteen children, twenty-eight grandchildren, sixty-nine great-grandchildren and twenty great-great grandchildren she kept us all together. It may have been difficult to some, but not to her. She was respected and powerful to us all and a strong-willed woman. Having beat cancer twice she was the toughest woman we’ve ever known. We would not be here hadn’t it not been for her beautiful soul. The life of Mae Sue McKenzie spanned more than nine decades and she lived a great wonderful life. The things she has taught us will be greatly appreciated and she will live on forever in our hearts. She leaves to cherish her precious memories ten children: Cleophas (Eula) Wade, Brenda Smith, Imogene (Donald) Hill, Clifford Wade, Johnny Wade, Gaynell Johnson, Bonnieta (Tomfrey) Smith, Gloria (Leon) Walker, Grace Wade, and Robert (Sharon) McKenzie; twenty-seven grandchildren: Michael, Kelly, Dianne, Temeka, Jacqueline, Desmond, David, Latangela, Trazet, Kashion, Quovodus, Tawanda, Dexter, Anquonna, Melissa, Jermaine, DeMario, Ronnie Jr., Amanda, Tomfrey Jr., Vernita, Leon, Kimberly, Erica, Jeremey, Robert II and Zenobia; sixty-nine great-grand children: Candace, Danelle, Amber, Travis, Terrence, Tyler, Payton, Donnie Jr., Jannel, DeMarcus, Ashley, Cameron, Brandon, Tyrone, Maurice, Reggie, Desmond Jr., Jessica, David Jr., Dekeytra, Ponnel, Quetaz, Jakita, Derrick, Beonica, Devin, Derwin, Latavious, Joronte, Darius, Korlethia, Maurice, Tywonn, Makayla, Jazmine, Kavaseay, Danise, Mondrake, Teagan, Terrance Jr., Tashad, Tiara, Donald, Bria, Kiana, Darrel, Jamario, Jamonte, Anthony, Kamari, Aniyah, Elena, Ronnita, Ronnie III, Ronta, Aniya, Jarvis, Chloe, Ryan, Camila, Charity, Kasiyah, Sonniya, Sakiyah, Jordan, Paul, Thomas, Khylee, Joi; twenty great-great grandchildren: Braylen, Paris, Imari, Daymond, Carnilah, Quenta, Antavis, Layla, Destiny, Derrick Jr., Kahleek, Corey, Jadin, A’Laiah, A’Vari, Cayden, Kali, Christie, Olivia, Ava; and a host of other relatives and friends.
Order of Service Prelude Processional............................................................................................................. Family & Friends Selection ............................................................................................................. “He Will Call” - #151 Obituary (read silently) Discourse ........................................................................................................... Elder Charlie Walker Selection .................................................................... “You Will See Yourself In All Things New” - #139 Closing Prayer Acknowledgements ..................................................................................... Dortch Williamson Staff Recessional Postlude
Interment South View Cemetery 1990 Jonesboro Road Atlanta, Georgia 30315
Repast 8797 Ashton Road Jonesboro, Georgia 30238 -Or1643 King Road Riverdale, Georgia 30296
Pallbearers
Flower Bearers
Grandsons
Granddaughters
Acknowledgements The family of Mae Sue McKenzie would like to express our appreciation and sincerity to everyone who has shown their love and gratitude with us during this time of grief. We are eternally grateful for the various ways you have helped and continue to assist.
1410 Highway 138, SW Riverdale, Georgia 30296 (770) 907-8548 www.DortchWilliamson.com
Glanton & Associates, LLC (404) 925-6583
A Tribute to Our Mother Our mother is a woman like no other, she was our rock and queen, there would be no life without her. She nurtured us, taught us, kissed us, and loved us unconditionally. We are more than proud to be her children. We were told that you will find no better best friend than your mother in this world. They were in fact right, Mama was all our best friend. She knew us more than anyone else, sometimes more than we knew ourselves. A walking miracle to us all, Mama was always there for all her children growing up and she never treated us differently. She was the only adult figure in our life and she raised us to be the mature adults we are now. She was a powerful influence on us all and a woman like no other. She taught us to be respectful and humble. No matter how hard times were in the beginning, Mama always made sure we ate good. Although, it was many of us we slept comfortable, shared beds, bunk beds and even in her bed. We might not have gotten everything we wanted, but we got everything we needed. She did the best she could to give us things she could afford and we appreciate her for that. Mama always had an opening ear for all our problems and gave us her honest opinions. Many of us have fond memories of how she would sit down, tell us stories, and sing to us all the time. She loved to dance and even taught some of us her moves as well. She was a loving woman who had an open door, she even took in some of our friends into our home and raised them. Our mother worked hard for us and we are great because of her. All that we are, we owe to our mother. In this moment of bereavement, we will continue to be the best children she shaped us to be, because she deserves it. We will forever love her and she will always be in our hearts and
endlessly watching over us. The love we have for our dear mother will always remain.
Mae Sue McKenzie Sunrise August 23, 1926
Sunset August 7, 2017
Wednesday, August 16, 2017 12:00 P.M.
Dortch–Williamson Funeral & Cremation Services 1410 Highway 138 S.W. Riverdale, Georgia 30296
Obituary On August 23, 1926, the world was granted a beautiful baby girl, Mae Sue McKenzie who changed the lives of many. She was born in Attalla, Alabama to the late Alfonza and Mattie White. Mae Sue, affectionately called by most “Big Mama” was a special gift, not only to her parents, but every life she gracefully touched. She was preceded in death by her parents: Alfonza and Mattie White; children: Alfonza Wade, Jessie Wade, and Wilmasue Wade; grandson, Terrance Hill; sister, Grace; and brothers: Leroy and Junior. Big Mama passed away peacefully in her sleep on Monday, August 7, 2017 at approximately 11:45 pm in Fayetteville, Georgia. She went to be with her beloved Robert and Heavenly Father in heaven. Mae Sue was educated in Attalla, Alabama Public School and as she grew, matured into a dedicated, loving, and nice young lady. Big Mama faithfully studied Jehovah Witness for over 30 years and has passed that knowledge onto her children and others. She enjoyed talking about the bible with her study group weekly. She gained deep lasting friendships with other Jehovah Witnesses that she calls family now. After her education, she met her first love George Wade in Alabama where they married and had twelve beautiful children. Sadly, after his death she moved her family to Atlanta, Georgia where she then started her career at Dobbs House in 1964 as a baker and cook. She loved her job and brought her talent home with the wonderful dishes she prepared every day. The table dinner was surrounded by family and friends that brought love and laughter into her home. She then found the love of her life in Robert McKenzie, where they married and had one last wonderful child together. The couple lived happily for over 20 years until his death. Afterwards, she retired from Dobbs House in 1989. After retiring, Mae Sue continued raising her children and instilling hard work and dedication in them. She continued to enjoy cooking, making a large feast every weekend and made sure everyone had more than enough to eat, even when she did not have enough for herself. She took in many and raised them as her own, Big Mama loved more than anything was to be with her family. Mae Sue had a great sense of humor and loved to tell jokes that brightened everyone’s day. Her and her family could be with each other for hours talking, playing card games, watching television, and enjoying one another’s company. She also enjoyed listening to her 50s and 60s old school jams. Being an adventurous woman, Big Mama loved to travel across the world, especially on cruises. Her other favorite places to visit were Hawaii, Bahamas, Alabama, and Las Vegas. When travelling she loved to relax and take risks to be the maker of her own life. She was a highly positive woman and knew something good would come out of the chances she took. In addition to her love for children, Big Mama loved animals as well. She has cared for multiple dogs and had a loving parrot named Paco that she couldn’t live without. Her and Paco spent plenty of time together talking and watching television. She loved him as much as he loved her. Big Mama was the glue to the family, with thirteen children, twenty-eight grandchildren, sixty-nine great-grandchildren and twenty great-great grandchildren she kept us all together. It may have been difficult to some, but not to her. She was respected and powerful to us all and a strong-willed woman. Having beat cancer twice she was the toughest woman we’ve ever known. We would not be here hadn’t it not been for her beautiful soul. The life of Mae Sue McKenzie spanned more than nine decades and she lived a great wonderful life. The things she has taught us will be greatly appreciated and she will live on forever in our hearts. She leaves to cherish her precious memories ten children: Cleophas (Eula) Wade, Brenda Smith, Imogene (Donald) Hill, Clifford Wade, Johnny Wade, Gaynell Johnson, Bonnieta (Tomfrey) Smith, Gloria (Leon) Walker, Grace Wade, and Robert (Sharon) McKenzie; twenty-seven grandchildren: Michael, Kelly, Dianne, Temeka, Jacqueline, Desmond, David, Latangela, Trazet, Kashion, Quovodus, Tawanda, Dexter, Anquonna, Melissa, Jermaine, DeMario, Ronnie Jr., Amanda, Tomfrey Jr., Vernita, Leon, Kimberly, Erica, Jeremey, Robert II and Zenobia; sixty-nine great-grand children: Candace, Danelle, Amber, Travis, Terrence, Tyler, Payton, Donnie Jr., Jannel, DeMarcus, Ashley, Cameron, Brandon, Tyrone, Maurice, Reggie, Desmond Jr., Jessica, David Jr., Dekeytra, Ponnel, Quetaz, Jakita, Derrick, Beonica, Devin, Derwin, Latavious, Joronte, Darius, Korlethia, Maurice, Tywonn, Makayla, Jazmine, Kavaseay, Danise, Mondrake, Teagan, Terrance Jr., Tashad, Tiara, Donald, Bria, Kiana, Darrel, Jamario, Jamonte, Anthony, Kamari, Aniyah, Elena, Ronnita, Ronnie III, Ronta, Aniya, Jarvis, Chloe, Ryan, Camila, Charity, Kasiyah, Sonniya, Sakiyah, Jordan, Paul, Thomas, Khylee, Joi; twenty great-great grandchildren: Braylen, Paris, Imari, Daymond, Carnilah, Quenta, Antavis, Layla, Destiny, Derrick Jr., Kahleek, Corey, Jadin, A’Laiah, A’Vari, Cayden, Kali, Christie, Olivia, Ava; and a host of other relatives and friends.
Order of Service Prelude Processional............................................................................................................. Family & Friends Selection ............................................................................................................. “He Will Call” - #151 Obituary (read silently) Discourse ........................................................................................................... Elder Charlie Walker Selection .................................................................... “You Will See Yourself In All Things New” - #139 Closing Prayer Acknowledgements ..................................................................................... Dortch Williamson Staff Recessional Postlude
Interment South View Cemetery 1990 Jonesboro Road Atlanta, Georgia 30315
Repast 8797 Ashton Road Jonesboro, Georgia 30238 -Or1643 King Road Riverdale, Georgia 30296
Pallbearers
Flower Bearers
Grandsons
Granddaughters
Acknowledgements The family of Mae Sue McKenzie would like to express our appreciation and sincerity to everyone who has shown their love and gratitude with us during this time of grief. We are eternally grateful for the various ways you have helped and continue to assist.
1410 Highway 138, SW Riverdale, Georgia 30296 (770) 907-8548 www.DortchWilliamson.com
Glanton & Associates, LLC (404) 925-6583
A Tribute to Our Mother Our mother is a woman like no other, she was our rock and queen, there would be no life without her. She nurtured us, taught us, kissed us, and loved us unconditionally. We are more than proud to be her children. We were told that you will find no better best friend than your mother in this world. They were in fact right, Mama was all our best friend. She knew us more than anyone else, sometimes more than we knew ourselves. A walking miracle to us all, Mama was always there for all her children growing up and she never treated us differently. She was the only adult figure in our life and she raised us to be the mature adults we are now. She was a powerful influence on us all and a woman like no other. She taught us to be respectful and humble. No matter how hard times were in the beginning, Mama always made sure we ate good. Although, it was many of us we slept comfortable, shared beds, bunk beds and even in her bed. We might not have gotten everything we wanted, but we got everything we needed. She did the best she could to give us things she could afford and we appreciate her for that. Mama always had an opening ear for all our problems and gave us her honest opinions. Many of us have fond memories of how she would sit down, tell us stories, and sing to us all the time. She loved to dance and even taught some of us her moves as well. She was a loving woman who had an open door, she even took in some of our friends into our home and raised them. Our mother worked hard for us and we are great because of her. All that we are, we owe to our mother. In this moment of bereavement, we will continue to be the best children she shaped us to be, because she deserves it. We will forever love her and she will always be in our hearts and
endlessly watching over us. The love we have for our dear mother will always remain.
