George McKenze

McKENZE, Mr. George, Sr. - Age 91, passed away Wednesday, April 1, 2009 at his residence. Family hour 12Noon Monday, April 6, 2009 at Bethel United Methodist Church, 1309 N. Ballenger Hwy., with funeral service commencing at 1PM, Rev. Dr. Tara Sutton officiating. Interment Flint Memorial Park Cemetery, G-9506 N. Dort Hwy. Friends and pallbearers will assemble at the church 12Noon Monday. Mr. McKenze will lie in state in the Chapel of Lawrence E. Moon Funeral Home, 906 W. Flint Park Blvd., and may be viewed from 10AM-6PM Sunday. Mr. George McKenze, Sr. was born March 13, 1918 in Arkansas City, Arkansas, the son of Otis and Rosetta McKenze. Mr. McKenze left home very early in life. He traveled to many parts of the United States as well as abroad, picking up all kinds of skills along the way. George settled down in 1947 with his wife Mattie Ola. In 1953 they moved to Flint and joined Bethel United Methodist Church, making a life together for 61 years. He worked at Northern Tool and Die of Flint until the plant closed. George then was employed with General Motors obtaining a Journeymen Card as a Tool and Die Maker, retiring in the early 80’s. He loved and adored his entire family. Mr. George McKenze, Sr. leaves to cherish his memory: 3 daughters, Geneveive Faye (Hue) McKenze-Smith of Spanish Town, Jamaica, Joy (Leon) McKenze-Gould, and Wanda Lyons; 2 sons, George (Min. Victoria) McKenze, Jr. and John Arthur McKenze, all of Flint; 25 grandchildren; 47 great-grandchildren; brother, Vincent (Ivy) Johnson of Spanish Town, Jamaica; sister-in-law, Lena Moore of Little Rock, AR; a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Mr. McKenze was preceded in death by his wife, Mattie McKenze; son, Albert George McKenze; parents, John McInnis and Justina Johnson; adoptive parents, Otis and Rosetta McKenze; brother, Caleb McEnnis; sister, Mississ McInnis; son-in-law, Charles S. Lyons, Jr.; and sister-in-law, Gladys McEnnis. The family would like to express special thanks to Bethel United Methodist Church and St. Peter CME Church families, Dr. Arif, Dr. Amaani, the staffs of Avalon Hospice and Hurley Medical Center.

George McKenze

March 13, 1918 - April 1, 2009