Bennie Jean Mckenzie

Celebrating the Life of Bennie Jean McKenzie

Bennie Jean McKenzie peacefully went to be with the Lord at the age of 73 on February 1, 2025, at Abercorn Rehabilitation Center in Savannah, Georgia. She was born in Jackson, Alabama, on October 22, 1951. Bennie was the sixth of nine children of Bishop John Daniel McKenzie and Mother Lela Mae McKenzie. She was named after her aunt Bennie, the wife of her father's oldest brother, the late Rev. William McKenzie, whom the family lovingly called Uncle Brother. 

Bennie grew up in Savannah and graduated from Tompkins High School in 1969. After graduation, she worked for the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) fingerprinting division before briefly attending Howard University in Washington, DC. Bennie aspired to become a registered nurse but could not complete her studies at Howard due to illness.

Bennie loved food and often made her requests known to her sister Lucille and niece Joy. She enjoyed hot sauce on most things and had a particular fondness for chili dogs with lots of onions. Bennie also had a passion for fashion, which she embraced while she was in Washington, DC, and was always stylishly dressed. She loved writing and frequently penned her thoughts on paper. She had a great sense of humor and a deep love for God and her family. She was a Covenant Partner of Real-Life Christian Fellowship Church in Port Wentworth, Georgia.

On Sunday, January 12, 2025, family members gathered in Bennie's room at Abercorn Rehabilitation Center for a visit. She was delighted as she ate chili dogs while the family sang and prayed. We are grateful for the gift of fellowship before God called her home. 

Bennie was preceded in death by her parents, Bishop John Daniel McKenzie and Mother Lela Mae McKenzie; her sister, Carol Junae McKenzie; and her brother, Bishop James H. McKenzie. She is survived by two brothers, Dr. Jay D. McKenzie (Cheryl) of Southfield, Michigan, and Deacon James Anthony McKenzie of Savannah; and five sisters, Lucille Hicks and Nightingale (Gale) McKenzie of Savannah; Velma D. McKenzie-Orr of Bronx, New York, Rev. Talulah Ruger of Houston, Texas, and Jacqueline McKenzie. Numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends also survive Bennie. We acknowledge her niece, Joy Bledsoe, who faithfully assisted her mother, Lucille, in meeting Bennie's needs during her residency at Abercorn Rehabilitation Center.

Bennie's kind heart, love, and laughter will be deeply missed and remembered by all who knew and loved her.

Public Viewing will be held on Wednesday, February 12, 2025 at 10:00am at Real Life Christian Fellowship, 841 Crossgate Road, Port Wentworth, GA 31407.

Celebration of Life Services will be held on Wednesday, February 12, 2025 at 11:00am at Real Life Christian Fellowship, 841 Crossgate Road, Port Wentworth, GA 31407.

Please sign our guest book at www.bonaventurefh.com Bonaventure Funeral Home, owned by the Campbell family, 2520 Bonaventure Rd. Savannah, Ga 31404