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Helen McKenzie Obituary
Helen McKenzie, 86 of Joliet, IL, died peacefully at home on February 28, 2023.
Born in Catawba, S.C., Helen graduated with honors from Second Ward High School in Charlotte, N.C. before completing the Registered Nursing program at the Columbia Hospital School of Nursing, University of South Carolina. She moved to Joliet in 1959, newly married, and was hired as one of the first Black Registered Nurses at Silver Cross. Helen served with distinction at Silver Cross, retiring as House Supervisor in 2000.
Helen was a member of Brown Chapel A.M.E. Church. A tireless volunteer with service and professional organizations, she was a founding member of the Joliet chapter of the National Hook-Up of Black Women.
Helen is survived by her husband of 63 years, Thomas McKenzie; daughters, Benita (Allen) Twillie, and Brenda (Sunil) Singhal; 4 grandchildren, 3 great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, March 9, 2023 from 3:00-6:00PM and Friday, March 10, 2023 from 10:00-11:00AM at Brown Chapel A.M.E. Church, 1502 E. Mills Rd., Joliet, IL. Service at 11:00AM. Interment following at Elmhurst Cemetery, Joliet, IL.
Minor-Morris Funeral Home, Ltd.
112 Richards St. (815) 723-1283
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Memories and Condolences
for Helen McKenzie
Sponsored by Minor-Morris Funeral Home, Ltd..
Frederick Betts
June 17, 2024
Mrs. McKenzie was a member of my home church, Brown Chapel AME. She was a friend of my mother, Lodell. Mom "always" spoke positively about Mrs. McKenzie. She was simply the nicest person who you would want to have as your friend. She was always kind to me whenever we met. It is said that a church is not a building, but it is the people who make up the church. Mrs. McKenzie was the perfect embodiment of that saying. My condolences to Mr. McKenzie and the family.
Barbara Spann
March 13, 2023
In loving memory of my dear friend, Helen. She was my co-worker @ Silver Cross Hospital for over 40 years, we served community together through our churches, N.H.B.W. and other organizations. Rest in Heaven! You have completed your journey and you legacy lives on.
Warren C Dorris
March 10, 2023
Ms. Helen was a wonderful woman of God. We first met when she came to Caterpillar as a nurse. She was genuine and really cared for the people she served. She loved her family and Brown Chapel Church. She was also became my neighbor when my family moved on their street. Enjoy Heaven, you deserved to be there! Praying for the McKenzie Family!
Doris Medema
March 9, 2023
I remember working with Helen at the hospital. I considered her a friend. She was wonderful. Doris Medema
Eleonore Brtva
March 9, 2023
Rest in Peace Thou Good and Faithful Servant.
Charlene Attaway
March 8, 2023
I´m loving memory of a beautiful person. We started our nursing careers together.Condolences to her family. Charlene Attaway
Kitty.Mccarter
March 8, 2023
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
Katrina McBryde
March 8, 2023
Aunt Helen you truly will be missed. We love you .
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