Wilma Pauline McKenzie, 99, of Olive Branch, MS died on August 10 th , 2020.
Wilma was also called by some - Mother, Aunt, Pauline, Grandmother, Dadoe or Dudoe.
She was born on January 21 st , 1921 in Medina, TN to Benjamin and Ruby Lemond – Mamaw and
Papaw.
She was the oldest of 4 children: Carolyn, Nell and Ted and she survived them all.
She married Homer McKenzie and celebrated their 67 th wedding anniversary before he died.
They originally lived in Memphis for many years and then were able to move to her dream
home in Germantown. Wherever she lived, she was the hub of her family.
She loved her family, which made Christmas the highlight of her year as everyone would gather
together at her home. She would work tirelessly to prepare and cook so everyone could enjoy
their time together. Even her hobby as a seamstress served her family and others.
After Homer's death, she moved to Olive Branch, MS and lived independently at Silvercreek
Senior Living Facility where she made every effort to attend their in-house church services. She
was a member of Kirby Woods Baptist Church in Memphis for many years.
After about 4 years in Silvercreek, she moved in with one of her granddaughters, Ellen Francis,
and her husband, Tyler. She remained in their home under their loving care for about 1 year
before she took her last breath this past Monday morning.
She is survived by her three children, Linda, Michael and Don and his wife, Phyllis; 5
grandchildren, Robert, Traci, Richard, Kevin and Ellen along with their children and
grandchildren. She had 9 great, grandchildren and 5 great, great grandchildren. She is also
survived by several nieces and nephews, their children and grandchildren.
She outlived her husband, her siblings and all her lifelong friends. She outlived her own
generation. Her body and mind remained remarkably healthy and sharp until the last month of
her life.
Her body will be laid to rest in a Mausoleum at Forest Hill Cemetery East next to her husband.
In lieu of flowers, please donate in her name to St. Jude Children's Hospital.