Louise Davis McKenzie

When you reflect on the life of Louise Davis McKenzie, you will find a life guided by unconditional love and a steadfast commitment to faith, family, and community. Whether you knew her as Mama, Grammy, Weezy, Mrs. Lou, Mama Lou, or Mrs. Louise, you were truly blessed to experience her sweet spirit and the unique, unwavering and unconditional love she shared so generously. Louise was born on April 27, 1938, in Talladega County. Alabama, to Lorenzo Teague and Eddie Davis. During her early years she lived with her grandparents, Frank and Delaware Davis, on Rainey Farm. She confessed her faith in God at a young age and was baptized at Harper Springs Baptist Church. Later, she became a devoted member of Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church, where she served faithfully as a member of the Usher Board, Sunday School secretary, church announcer, and Junior Class leader. She graduated from East Highland High School in 1957. On April 9, 1960, Louise was united in holy matrimony with Henry McKenzie, Sr. Their union was blessed with three children: Henry Jr., Byron, and Angela. She moved her church membership to St. Thomas United Methodist Church where she remained an active and cherished member for the rest of her life. She served as Vice President of the United Methodist Women (UMW), chaired the Faithful Group (a UMW sub-group), sang in the Inspirational Choir, and taught a Sunday School class. She also initiated what Genora Hale affectionately named "Thursday School," a weekly gathering to discuss the Sunday School lesson. Her servitude and engagement with her fellow church members was a delight to her heart and her favorite scripture, Proverbs 3:5-6, was the compass of her life: "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths." Louise completed the Business Education program at N. F. Nunnelley State Technical College in Childersburg, AL and earned certification as a nurse's aide. She retired in 2000 from Coosa Valley Medical Center where she served with compassion and dedication on the "2 North" Unit – yet another reflection of her giving spirit. Louise devoted herself to raising her children, only returning to the workforce when Angela reached the 10th grade. She worked as a substitute teacher at Mountainview and Indian Valley Elementary Schools and was a constant presence in her children's academic lives. Her children were ALWAYS volunteering her to be their room mother and she proudly served as team mother for Henry Jr.'s and Byron's baseball teams. Her love extended far beyond her immediate family. Louise was a "second mother" to countless others, offering her home as a sanctuary of unconditional love, wisdom, and comfort. Whether through a warm meal, a listening ear, or a gentle word of encouragement, she made everyone feel seen, safe, and cared for, deeply. Being a phenomenal mother brought Louise immense joy, but the greatest honor of her life was being a grandmother. Her grandchildren affectionately called her "Grammy." Just like with her children, her heart was large enough for a host of bonus grandchildren including Caitlyn McTier ("Peanut #2"), SJ Moore ("Little Buddy"), Fantasia Jackson ("Sissy"), McKal Jackson, Jaxtyn Roston, LuLu, Caitlin Harkins, and most recently, Waymon Peer. Louise was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Henry, and parents, Lorenzo and Eddie. She leaves to cherish her memories and honor her legacy a devoted daughter, Angela McKenzie of Moody, AL; two loving sons: Henry (Lisa) McKenzie, Jr. (known as Booga) of Lawrenceville, GA, and Byron (Shayla) McKenzie (referred to as her "Baby Boy") of Moody, AL; five of the most amazing grandchildren who were her heart: Maya McKenzie ("Peanut") of Washington, D.C.; Maalik McKenzie and Makale McKenzie of Lawrenceville, GA; TaPorsha Pope ("Punkin") of Sylacauga, AL; and Madison McKenzie ("Pretty Girl") of Moody, AL; one goddaughter, Connie (DeAnthony) Jones of Childersburg, AL; three nieces: Deborah Washington and Lethedia Davis of Dayton, OH, and Kimberly Perry of Baton Rouge, LA; special bonus nieces: Cathy Manora, Pamela McKenzie, Teresa McKenzie, Dixie McKenzie, and Abrilla Harrell; two special nephews, Marvin McKenzie, Jr. and John McKenzie; and one beloved cousin, Willie Lee (Eunice) Lovejoy of Baltimore, MD. She had many lifelong friends: Bessie Patterson, Faye McKenzie, Jeannie Mae Holcomb, and Cora Lee Adair. She will be remembered by so many other relatives and friends. In a 2007 interview with her granddaughter Maya, Louise shared, "I'd like to be remembered as a person who did all they could for their fellow man." That is exactly the life she lived, the legacy she leaves, and the example we are all inspired to follow. Celebration of life for Louise Davis McKenzie, age 87, will be held on Saturday, September 6, 2025 at 12:00PM at St. Thomas United Methodist Church, Sylacauga, Alabama. Reverend Dr. Richard L. Stryker, Eulogist. Interment will commence in the Shady Grove United Methodist Church Cemetery, Hanover, Alabama. Public viewing will be held on Friday, September 5, 2025 1:00PM to 7:00PM, family hour 5:00PM to 7:00PM at Community Funeral Home. Visit www.communityfuneralhome.org for online obituary and condolences. Community Funeral Home, Sylacauga, Alabama, directing.