Joyce Evelyn McKennie

Public Viewing Sunday November 23, 2025

2 P.M.- 6 P.M. (Murray Brothers Funeral Home Cascade Chapel)

Celebration of Life:

Monday November 24. 2025

Mrs. Joyce Evelyn Edwards McKennie

Mrs. Joyce Evelyn Edwards McKennie, a native Atlantan, was the daughter of the late Mr. John and Mrs. Ruby L. Edwards, who instilled in her early life a respect for education and a love for the printed word.

Mrs. McKennie was a product of Atlanta Public Schools. She received her Bachelor of Arts Degree, Cum Laude, from Howard University, and a Masters of Arts Degree from Atlanta University. She did further studies at Georgia State University.

She began her teaching career in West Point, Georgia, and later taught in McDonough, Georgia. In 1957, she was employed by the Atlanta Public Schools as an elementary school teacher until her retirement in 1994. The year prior to retirement, she was nominated as a Teacher of Excellence for the Bell Calendar of Black History.

Mrs. McKennie joined the Mt. Olive Baptist Church at a very early age. There she met her husband, Mr. Wilburn W. McKennie, and raised a family of three children. They both exemplified dedication and service to Christianity and the church. Later, the family became charter members of the New Emmanuel Baptist Church, and continued to serve in many facets.

Wilburn preceded Joyce in death in 2003. She leaves to mourn her passing two sons, Randall (Stephanie) and Ronald (Sophia); one daughter Adrianne (Frederick) and five grandchildren – Ryan, Duncan, Jamal, Jasmine, and Jada; one sister/cousin, Allie B. Latimer, one sister-in-law Mrs. Madelene Reeves Edwards, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Mt. Olive Baptist Church @ 11 A.M.

2174 M.L. K. Drive Atlanta Ga

Interment: Lincoln Cemetery