Leonard McKenzie

Leonard McKenzie was born August 5, 1934 in Ripley Tennessee to the late Alvester McKenzie and Ben McKenzie. He finished his race suddenly on February 8, 2018. He received a call that he could not refuse to a final resting place in eternity.

Leonard migrated to Michigan in his early years where he settled down and soon started a family in Jackson with the late Geraldine (Ware) McKenzie. From their union, they were blessed with nine children. It was here that he became employed with Wilbee concrete as a truck driver - this is where he began his passion for driving. He was highly respected and recognized by everyone and had a long-term relationship with the owner. His longstanding tenure t Wilbee continued until his retirement. Later in life Leonard relocated to Inkster, Michigan with his late wife, Martha McKenzie of 20 years; and from their union, they were blessed with a daughter and a son. Leonard was a bus driver with Semta, and later joined National Block Company where he served as a driver for 15 years.

To know Leonard was to love him. He was a genuine people person with a winning personality. Leonard had the most generous and loving heart and touched many lives with his presence. His family and friends are thankful for the gift was his life. Leonard treated nobody as a stranger and anyone who encountered him greeted with a smile and his infectious laugher. He exemplified the word of God, 'Love Thy Neighbor as Thyself.' Oftentimes, he could be found helping elderly neighbors and lending a helping hand. Leonard loved the Lord and his walk was such a reflection of God's Love. His love for the Lord was nourished as a faithful member of New Birth Baptist Church. His service tot he Lord was the utmost to him. He enjoyed serving the Lord and during his membership he sacrificed much of his time as a member of the men's choir, a handyman serving in the food pantry, and cleaning the baptismal pool - he served wherever God lead him. Leonard enjoyed traveling, and it was routine for him to jump in his car and 'drive' to visit close family and friends.

Leonard will be tremendously missed and his memory will forever be cherished by: Lily Pearl McKenzie (wife); eleven loving children, Reverend Teresa Beasley (Robert), Yvonne McKenzie-Davis (Curtis), Lenora McKenzie, Deborah McKenzie, Reverend Anthony McKenzie Sr. (Adrian), Maurice McKenzie (Simone), Lisa Allen, Renata Brice (Saon), Brian McKenzie, Kim Hall, and Leonard McKenzie (Marie); five grandsons, Jeremy McKenzie (Julia), Anthony McKenzie II, Austin McKenzie, a special bond with Anthony McKenzie, Shekinah Bothongo and Markus McKenzie; six granddaughters, Asia Brown, India Gross, Brianna McKenzie, Chandapiwa Bothongo, Ndiwa Bothongo, and Yasmine-Ariel McKenzie; four great grandchildren, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and a close family friend Kelly Smith. He was preceded in death by his parents, Alvester and Ben, one brother, Robert Winbush, and step-mother, Elizabeth (Bish) McKenzie. Cemetery Details Highland Cemetary Previous Events Family & Friends Visitation FEB 16. 2:00 PM - 7:00 PM (ET) Chapel of the Chimes Funeral Home-Westland 4670 S. Inkster Rd. Westland, MI 48186 mcclaryfh@yahoo.com https://www.chapelchimes.com/ Loading map Family Hour FEB 17. 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM (ET) Chapel of the Chimes Funeral Home-Westland 4670 S. Inkster Rd. Westland, MI 48186 mcclaryfh@yahoo.com https://www.chapelchimes.com/ Loading map Celebration of Life FEB 17. 11:00 AM (ET) Chapel of the Chimes Funeral Home-Westland 4670 S. Inkster Rd. Westland, MI 48186 mcclaryfh@yahoo.com https://www.chapelchimes.com/ Loading map

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