Vera McKenzie Obituary

Vera M. McKenzie, a long-time resident of St. Johns, Michigan, died on December 10, 2024, at the age of 95. She was born on December 6, 1929, in Philcampbell, Alabama, to Ezra Clifford Mashburn and Mattie (Craven) Mashburn.
She met her beloved husband, Roy "Jim" McKenzie, at the Holly Grille in Lansing, and the two were married on May 29, 1955, in Indiana. Together, they moved to St. Johns in 1963, where they created a life filled with community involvement. Vera and Jim especially treasured their time at their cottage on Torch Lake, where they enjoyed snowmobiling, boating, and fishing, creating countless memories.
Vera faced many challenges in life with grace and courage, triumphing over cancer twice. She also enjoyed traveling, always eager to go on the road with her husband and explore new places and experiences. She and her husband contributed to the planned reconstruction of the Fantasy Forest, helped with American Legion events, and were always present to place flags at Mt. Rest Cemetery in honor of veterans.
Vera was known for her incredible cooking-her prime rib, German chocolate cake, and mayonnaise cake were favorites at family gatherings, and Thanksgiving was a special time for family traditions, which included tractor rides with her grandchildren. Every year, Vera and Jim also opened their home to those in need of a meal, ensuring one less person spent the holiday alone.
As a grandmother, Vera-affectionately known as "Nanny"-was hands-on and loving. She adored spending time with her grandchildren, whether swimming with them, playing games, or simply enjoying one another's company.
Vera was preceded in death by her husband of 69 years, Roy "Jim" McKenzie, just one month prior, as well as her son, Daniel McKenzie earlier this year, her parents, and brothers, Mickey and Jay Mashburn.
She is survived by her son, Tom (Christina) McKenzie; grandchildren, Scott McKenzie, Sarah (Bryon) Kavanagh, Megan (Brian) Sheridan, and Matthew (Lizani) McKenzie; great-grandchildren, Collette Anderson, Noah McKenzie, Finnegan Kavanagh, Kenzie and Keira Sheridan; great-great-grandchildren, Aryia and Oberon; half-sister, Sandy Mashburn; half-brother, Timothy Mashburn; in-laws, Ann, Barbara, and Gary; and many extended family members and friends in the St. Johns community.
A Funeral Service will be held in the mausoleum at Mt. Rest Cemetery, East Steel Street, in St. Johns, on Friday, December 13, 2024, at 11:00 AM, with Pastor Kathy Leydorf-Keck officiating.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Basic Needs Center or a charity of your choice in Vera's memory.