Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
Essie McKenzie Obituary
Essie Mae McKenzie, 90, of Utica, New York, passed July 29, 2025.
Born Jan. 15, 1935, in Woodbine, she was the sixth of nine children born to the late Edith and Laurie Drummond Sr. She graduated from Ralph J. Bunche School and was employed by General Electric, retiring after 30 years of dedicated service.
In addition to her parents, Essie was preceded in death by her husband, Earl McKenzie; brothers, Laurie Drummond Jr., Joseph Drummond and Ainsley Drummond; and sisters, Dorothy Brown, Reatha Geter, Adeline Dallas, Catherine Lattany, Ella Brown and Luberta Sullivan. She is survived by two daughters, Valerie Doles, of Utica, and Michelle Doles, Winter Haven, Florida; six grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; three great-great grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
The service will be held at 11 a.m. Aug. 16, 2025, at Westlight Missionary Baptist Church, 6201 Old Jefferson Highway, in Woodbine.
A public viewing will be held one hour prior to the service.
The service will also be streamed live at https://www.royalfuneralhomeinc.com.
Royal Funeral Home, in Jesup, is in charge of the arrangements.
Family-placed obituary
The Brunswick News, August 12, 2025
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Essie McKenzie
Sponsored by Royal Funeral Home, Inc. - Jesup.
Make a Donation
in Essie McKenzie's name
Memorial Events
for Essie McKenzie
Aug
16
How to support Essie's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Essie McKenzie's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
