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Donna McKenzie Obituary

McKENZIE, Donna Denise (Jones) Donna Denise (Jones) McKenzie began her remarkable earthly journey on December 24, 1953 in Hartford when God placed her in the loving care of her parents, Geraldine and William A. Jones Sr. Little did they know that their precious DeeDee would become known as the Diva. Donna's beginnings as a piano student at age five catapulted her into a world of music that would last for 49 years. She received B.A. and M.A. degrees in music education from Oberlin College Conservatory of Music and Memphis State College, respectively; and was a certified Orff-Schulwerk specialist. Donna taught music and voice to elementary students for 30 years in CT, MO, and KS. In addition to teaching, her stellar music career included conducting Orff workshops, directing community and church choirs, holding minister of music positions, and singing lead in many classical concerts. She founded the vocal group, Voices, in Hartford and performed in the CT Opera Society for many years. While Donna waged her war on cancer, she continued to teach, play, sing, hold membership in the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, and direct the lives of those around her. Her laugh was loud and infectious and her smile as bright as the summer sun. Donna loved her family and friends and worked tirelessly in her roles as wife and mother. On December 29, 2007, at Yale-New Haven Hospital, she was freed at last, her earthly journey finished, life had triumphed over death. The angels stopped singing when they heard the baby cry, for they knew she was anointed to sing with them on high. Left to cherish memories and celebrate the life of this phenomenal woman is her beloved husband, Rev. Lloyd W. McKenzie Jr.; mother, Geraldine Jones; son, Michael Ryan McKenzie; daughter, Lauren Lynese McKenzie; brother, William A. Jones Jr. and his wife Jill of Doylestown, PA; aunt, Odessa West of Hartford; cousin, Jane Taylor and her husband Kenneth of Broomfield, CO; nieces and nephews, William A. Jones III, Cameron David Jones, Gabrielle Faith Jones, and Benjamin Samson Jones; and every music student, choir member, and friend whose life was touched by this Diva sent from God. Funeral services will be held on Friday, January 4, 11:30 a.m., at Metropolitan A.M.E. Zion Church, 2051 Main St., Hartford. Burial will be in Mountain View Cemetery, Bloomfield. Her family will receive friends Friday from 10-11:30 a.m. at the church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: The National Breast Cancer Foundation (www.nationalbreastcancer.org). Carmon Windsor Funeral Home has care of arrangements. To leave on-line condolences please visit www.carmonfuneralhome.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Hartford Courant on Jan. 2, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for Donna McKenzie

Not sure what to say?





Teri Blount

February 9, 2008

To the Jones and McKenzie Families:

I was truly saddened to hear about Donna's passing...I have known her for almost my entire life, and her kindness and wonderful smile will be remembered forever...She will be missed...May God give you the strength that he alone is able to provide during this difficult time...

Rachel Williams

January 21, 2008

Like many of you, after hearing of Donna's passing, I was shocked and saddened. I hope that we all can relish in the fact that Donna lived her life to the fullest. I had the oppourtnity to work with Donna in the Shawnee Mission School District. I was blessed to be touched by her passion for music, children, and, especially, the amazing African Americans she admired and taught to her students. She will forever be a shining example of love and peace. May the Lord bless you.

Corinth Elementary

Karen Rankin

January 9, 2008

Each of my 3 girls (as well as many, many others) were touched by Mrs. McKenzie, her love of music and her laughter. In looking for pictures to attach, I found that most were like this one, with her back to the crowd, engaged with the children, directing the action! We have many memories of wonderful musical productions at Corinth! Thank you for sharing her with us. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family and friends.

Pam, Naya, and Kendra Owusu

January 8, 2008

Lloyd, Michael and Lauren, our prayers are with you during this difficult time. May God give you peace, strength, understanding and faith to look until him who gives us what we need in the time of sorrow.

Andie Miller

January 7, 2008

Dear Jones and McKenzie families:

I remember Donna from our days in Bloomfield Ct. hanging with Jane, Wende E. and myself. She had an infectious laugh that made us all laugh hysterically as well. She always saw the glass half full instead of half empty. All my memories of Donna from a tag-along teenager to a lovely young woman are all so positive. I thank our Heavenly Father for allowing me time to know Donna and to consider her-at that time-a younger Sister of ours.

May God keep you and comfort you!

In Christ,

Andrea "Andie" Hayes

Gina Sapp

January 7, 2008

I was privileged to be a friend and fellow music teacher with Donna in the Shawnee Mission School District in Kansas sharing experiences with music teacher workshops and meetings, choral festivals, and buses for choir trips. In every situation Donna was A Positive Force, had a Sunny Disposition, was Skilled, Talented, Funny, and an Exemplary Music Teacher. I know she is deeply missed by all who knew this Great Lady. I will keep her friends and family in my prayers.

Juanette Davis

January 7, 2008

Dear, Lloyd, Michael, and Lauren, my deepest sympathies go out to all of you. Although my family and I have moved quite a bit, we have thought of your family often. Donna and I spent many a cold morning walking and talking in our old KS neighborhood. May God's blessings of love and peace comfort you all during this time of mourning. We Love you, Juanette Davis & family (Reggie, Shawn, Jon, Matt, & AJ)

Lisa Power

January 7, 2008

I missed Donna when she moved to CT and I miss her now. I pray her family will be consoled knowing she is in heaven.

Geri Spano

January 6, 2008

Dear Gerri, Lloyd, Michael and Lauren,
That Donna was a wonderful music teacher goes without saying. I taught with her for many years in Hartford. I also sang with her, and her glorious voice still rings in my ears. It is her friendship however, that I was most blessed by. Her honor, integrity and loyalty made her someone I will never, ever forget. You are all in my prayers, and may God help you in this time of great loss.
Love, Geri Spano

Toni Johnson

January 6, 2008

To Lauren, Michael & Rev. Lloyd -- Please know that you are in my prayers. Donna's spirit is a beautiful one that will always be remembered and cherished! May God's love and HER love continue to fall fresh upon each of you.

Laurie Atchity Dressman

January 6, 2008

I was lucky enough to be asked to teach the students at Corinth to fold 1000 origami cranes for Donna and her family. I was so impressed with the kids devotion and speed...they folded 500 cranes in 2 hours. Hopefully, those cranes brought some comfort to Donna. I have featured her on my website, www.healingcranes.com under the menu titled "1000 crane recipients". It sounds like she brought the gift of music to many, many people!

Melba Underwood

January 6, 2008

As a member of the Kansas City, Missouri Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., I was sadden to hear of the passing of Soror Donna McKenzie. Please know that the family is in my prayers. I will pass this website on to our chapter president. Please forward a mailing address in order for other members to send expressions.
God Bless

Kathleen Register

January 5, 2008

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Edward Jardim

January 5, 2008

To the McKenzie and Jones families,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I had the privilege of working with Donna in the Hartford Public Schools. She was a gifted musician and music educator. Her warmth and enthusiasm will be missed. May the Lord comfort you during this time.

Gerald Martin

January 5, 2008

Rev. Mckenzie and Mrs. Jones
It is with great sadness that we no longer have Mrs. McKenzie with us. She was the voice of joy and happiness in the music room and auditorium of Sarah J. Rawson School. She will always be a part of Rawson's tradition of excellence.
We send our love and prayers
Principal Martin and Staff

JoAnn Rankin Robinson

January 4, 2008

To the McKenzie & Jones Family

May God be with you during this difficult time. Know that Donna is in a better place, where she can sing and shine without pain.

Melissa Wiles

January 4, 2008

I am saddened to hear of the loss of a fine lady and dedicated educator. We had the pleasure of knowing her many years at Corinth Elementary. She always had a kind word about our kids' musical ability, but more importantly, she was a stable adult in their lives. May she now rest in peace.

Lou Oliver

January 4, 2008

I pray that God will bless the family of Donna Denise McKenzie (Jones) in this time of sorry.

Kate, Maureen & Craig Rettmer

January 3, 2008

This is very sad news! Mrs. McKenzie was a great music teacher with a heart of gold. She will be missed by the kids at Corinth Elementary. : (
Kate Rettmer (5th grade)

Please know that our hearts go out to the entire Jones and McKenzie family.

Donna Fischgrund

January 3, 2008

Little did we know when Donna first came to Corinth to teach how much she would touch our lives. My daughters loved her as a teacher and I loved her vivacious approach to life. We will miss her spunk, her tenacity and that laugh! Our prayers are with her family. She spoke often and lovingly of all of you.

Eric ,Patricia Gray

January 3, 2008

lloyd,Michael,Lauren & Mrs.Jones Our deepest sympathy are for you and the family.We love Donna and always will.God's blessings of love,peace and comfort during your mourning.

Debbie Thomas

January 3, 2008

I am an elementary music teacher from the Shawnee Mission School District that met her when she first came to us as a substitute, then fellow associate in a school close to mine. She was a ray of sunlight and joy, she was my friend! My condolences to the family!

Nancy Flaspohler

January 3, 2008

Lloyd and family,

My thoughts and prayers are with you. Donna was such a wonderful friend and such a joy to work with. We had so many laughs and she always made my day better. I admired her so much and will miss her dearly.

Joe Palmer

January 3, 2008

Dear McKenzie Family,
I was sorry to hear of Donna's passing. I was so fortunate to work with her at Corinth Elementary. You could always count on her to be upbeat and positive. May God bless you.

Joe Palmer

Jeff Sackuvich

January 3, 2008

Thank you for sharing such a wonderful person in my life. I met Donna when I went to work at Corinth elementary. Her laugh and smile always brought joy to those around her. May God be with you and your family.

Lori Kowalski

January 3, 2008

Mrs. McKenzie continues to be a household name for us and will not soon be forgotten. She left a lasting impression on my 7 year old daughter who attends Corinth Elementary. I told Mrs. McKenzie how much she had touched the life of my daughter through music prior to her leaving for CT. She was a special human being and we feel blessed to have known her. Our prayers are with you and your families.

Renneah Lawrence and Family

January 3, 2008

Dear Jones and Mckenzie Families:

Donna was truly a gem. We taught together at the Annie Fisher School. She put on the most wonderful musical performances with the children. It was also a pleasure singing for her in "Voices". She will indeed be missed by all she touched with her gentle spirit. My prayers are with you.

Ken Emley

January 3, 2008

Donna shared her love of music with hundreds of students during her years at Corinth Elementary. She touched the lives of students and is remembered by the staff with great fondness.

Chan-Tell King-Beckwith

January 3, 2008

To My favorite pastor on the east cost now,

My families thoughts and prays go out to your family as you celebrate the life of your wife and the love and joy that will still grow.

Reverend Chan-Tell King-Beckwith
St. Louis, MO

Birdie Cody

January 3, 2008

To the McKenzie and Jones family, my deepest sympathy during your time of mourning.

Rhonda Darby

January 3, 2008

To the Jones and McKensie families:
My sincere condolences for the passing of Donna. We were childhood friends and I kept her in my thoughts and prayers, as I keep you, now.

Fondly, Rhonda (Register) Darby

Kelly Derosier

January 2, 2008

Lloyd and family: It was truely my pleasure and honor to care for the both of you these last several months. I wish I had more time with the both of you. Donna's courage and strength will not be forgotten. Lloyd my thoughts and prayers are with you. Kelly Derosier

shirley freeman

January 2, 2008

Deepest sympathy to you all.

What a wonderful daughter, sister, wife,mother,woman, Donna became and who shared her gifts of music and joyful spirit with us.

Betty King

January 2, 2008

Lloyd.May it help to know that other share ypur pain,We are praying for you and your family.God love you and so do I Love Betty King and Family. WINDSOR,Ct.

Kimberly Hall-Moore

January 2, 2008

Lloyd, Michael & Lauren. My heart was saddened to hear of your loss. Donna was wonderful person and friend and I will alway remember the good times that we all shared. Know that my prayers are with you.

Kim and Camille Moore

Beth Heriford

January 2, 2008

My thoughts and Prayers are with all of you. I had the pleasure of meeting Donna during work functions in Kansas. I loved her laugh and open friendly way of making you feel like her friend upon meeting her. She was an inspiration to all how knew her. Heaven is a little brighter as she is truly gloring in God.

Ruth Adams-Wilkins

January 2, 2008

To The McKenzie & Jones Families: May The Lord draw very close to you, and make his presence very real as you go through this difficult time. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. God Bless.(Former Faith Church Choir Member)

Desiree Dowdell

January 2, 2008

To Mrs. Jones, Lloyd, Michael and Lauren: My deepest sympathies are with all of you. Donna was one of a kind and certainly will not be forgotten by anyone who made music with her.

Cerise Johnson

January 2, 2008

Dear: LLoyd,Michael,Lauren,"Miss" Gerry and Billy.
Our love and deepest sympathy,
Riley Jr., Cerise and Riley, III

Richard Byrd

January 2, 2008

Our condolences to your family during this tough time.

J. Richard Byrd and Family

Shirley Harrison

January 2, 2008

Jones & McKenzie families,
May God continue to comfort you during this time of bereavement.

Shirley & Donald Harrison

James Walker

January 2, 2008

Our prayers are with the Family and friends.

God Bless,

James Walker
& Family

p.s. Donna thanks for teaching me the hymns, your spirit, love, excitement and that infectious laugh will always be remembered.

Meryth Dean Andrews-Williams and family

January 2, 2008

To the Jone/McKenzie family: Please accept our sincere condolences for the loss of your wife, daughter, sister, mother and niece. Donna was wonderful. I remember her lovely smile, which was only surpassed by her beautiful voice. Be prayerful during this difficult time and the Lord will see you through. Love to you all!

Pam WALTERS

January 2, 2008

Mrs. Jones/Lloyd, Michaeal and Lorin words simply cannot express my sadness due to your loss - she was a wonderful person and God will heal your wounds with time - we love you all and pls call on us if you need us. Pam, Michael, Omar, Brittany Walters

Ms. Tammy Braner

January 2, 2008

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well-lived.

HARRIET BRONSON

January 2, 2008

Dear McKenzie and Jones Familys, Please accept my deepest sympathys. I met & worked with Donna way, way back in the day first at Webster School all the way through to her going to Overland Park. I'll alway have fun memories of Donna.

Carmon Funeral Homes, Inc.

January 2, 2008

With deepest sympathy during your time of mourning.

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