Shasta McKenzie Obituary

Shasta McKenzie McGill, 53, of Cleveland, Tennessee passed away on Saturday, September 6, 2025. Shasta was born on February 11, 1972 in Cleveland, Tennessee to Steve A. "Toby" McKenzie Sr. and Gayla Bryson Hurst. Shasta cherished her husband, Jody, with a fierce love, and he remains the unwavering love of her life. Shasta was a lifelong lover of books. In her spare time, she could often be found with a novel in her hand. Animals held a special place in Shasta's heart, especially dogs. From an early age, she was a dedicated volunteer for the Empty Stocking Fund. Shasta gave her time and heart to helping children and families in need during the holidays. She was saved at a young age and remained affiliated with the Baptist church.

She was preceded in death by her father, Steven A. "Toby" McKenzie Sr.; maternal grandparents, John Bryson Sr. and Eula Bryson; her paternal grandparents, Bob McKenzie and Gail McKenzie; uncles, Jack Bryson, and Kenneth Bryson; her cousin, Dixie Freeman; and her father-in-law, Bobby Joe McGill Sr.

She leaves behind to cherish her memory: her husband, Bobby "Jody" McGill Jr.; her mother, Gayla Bryson Hurst; siblings, Jami (Larry) Spencer, Steve A. (Beth) McKenzie Jr., and Ashley McKenzie; step mother and step father, Brenda and Stan Lawson; her mother in law and father in law, Faye and Clayton Lockhart; brother in law, Ryan McGill; her nieces and nephews, Jake Spencer, Lila Jo Spencer, Tripp McKenzie, Luke McKenzie, Taylor Ann McGill, and Matthew McGill; aunt, Carolyn Skinner; her best friend, Susie Hall; and her special cousins, Carmen Reagan and Ken Wilson; along with a host of cousins, aunts, uncles, extended family, and friends.

A celebration of life service will be held on Friday, September 12, 2025 at Companion Funeral Home - The Ridge Sanctuary at 2:00 pm with Pastor Ronnie Wright and Reverend Randy Swafford officiating. The family will be receiving friends from 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm prior to the service. A graveside service is to follow at Lee Cemetery in McDonald, Tennessee.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial donations be made to The Empty Stocking Fund (P.O. Box 2370 Cleveland, TN 37320) or to the SPCA of Bradley County (1570 Johnson Blvd. SE Cleveland, TN 37311) in Shasta's name.

You are invited to share a personal memory of Shasta or your condolences with her family at her online memorial located at www.companionfunerals.com. Companion Funeral Home of Cleveland and the Cody family are honored to assist the family with these arrangements.