Betsy Carole Brasell Poss McKenzie

A memorial service for Betsy Carole Brasell Poss McKenzie will be held on Saturday, August 10, 2013, at two in the afternoon in the sanctuary of Northminster Baptist Church, 3955 Ridgewood Road, Jackson, MS. Betsy completed her earthly journey on June 15, 2013. A lifelong resident of Mississippi, Betsy spent the last three and a half years in North Carolina near her sister as she declined in health due to Alzheimer’s Disease.

Left to cherish her memory are her daughter, Melissa Poss Wall and husband, Billy and granddaughter, Elizabeth Brasell Wall of Smyrna, GA; sister, Bonnie B. Dalton and husband, Don of Cary, NC; brother, Bert Brasell and wife, Diane of Bartlett, TN; and sister-in-law, Lynda Poss Cryder of Buford, GA. In addition, she leaves her stepdaughters and their families: Kathy Thomson and husband, Tommy and their children, Ellie and Mac of Birmingham, AL and Laurie Boyd and her children, Caitlyn and Bryson of Thomasville, GA. Betsy also leaves numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and many cherished friends.

Born in Lexington, MS on October 8, 1949, she lived in Durant, MS until 1960 when her father’s job with the MS National Guard transferred the family to Grenada, MS. Betsy matured into a lovely young lady who enjoyed being involved in church activities at Grace United Methodist Church as well as North Mississippi Conference and Camp Lake Stephens activities. She graduated in 1967 from John Rundle High School in Grenada and began her college career at Northwest Mississippi Junior College in Senatobia, MS. After earning an associate degree in education, she transferred to Millsaps College where she graduated with a BA in Elementary Education. During her college years, she served as a summer youth director in Senatobia, MS and Clarksdale, MS as well as serving as a missionary in Texas through the United Methodist Church.

After graduation, she taught for a semester in the Grenada School District before accepting a job in the Jackson Public Schools where she taught for 27 years. Betsy received advanced degrees in education from Mississippi College and Jackson State University. She was recognized as a MetroJackson Outstanding Teacher in 1997. During her career she was an active member of the Jackson Association of Educators and the MS Association of Educators. She was a founding board member of the Jackson Council on Middle School Reform and Excellence as well as a member of the MS Enviromental Education Alliance. She received many honors and was awarded numerous grants from various foundations. One of her favorites was a grant from the National Geographic Society Education Foundation which gave her an opportunity to travel to various areas of the United States where she not only learned, but also presented at local, state and national conferences.

Betsy was very active in the First United Methodist Church in Clinton, MS where she lived for many years. In 2000, she married Gerald F. (Jerry) McKenzie at Northminister Baptist Church where she became an active member. They made their new home in Ridgeland, MS. Enjoying her retirement, she was active in the garden club and other organizations in the area including the Lions Club.

Those who have made their journey and rejoiced in welcoming her to her final destination are her husband, Jerry McKenzie; parents, Mae (Oakes) and B.G. Brasell; grandparents, Jack and Mae (Raper) Oakes and Disteau and Minnie (Kisner) Brasell; stepson, Ken McKenzie; aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

Memorials to cherish her memory may be made to the Department of Development, Mayo Clinic, 200 1st Street SW Rochester, MN 55902-9813 with a memo to designate for Alzheimer’s Research or any religious affiliation. Even though gardening brought special joy to her life, the family requests no flowers. To honor her memory by doing kindnesses to others, will be the most meaningful way of expressing your sympathy.

Condolences may be sent through www.brownwynnecary.com

Betsy Carole Brasell Poss McKenzie, 63, died June 15, 2013. A memorial service was held 10:00 a.m. Friday, June 21, 2013 at Woodland Terrace in the Carolina Room.

Special thanks to the entire staff of Woodland Terrace for their compassionate care during the past three and a half years.

Those left to cherish Betsy's memory:

Melissa, Billy and Elizabeth Brasell Wall of Smyrna, GA (Daughter, Son-In-Law and Granddaughter)

Bonnie and Don Dalton of Raleigh, NC (Sister and Brother-In-Law)

Bert and Diane Brasell of Bartlett, TN (Brother and Sister-In-Law)

Lynda Poss Cryder of Buford, GA (Sister-In-Law)

Kathy,Tommy and children Ellie and Mac Thomson of Birmingham, AL (Stepdaughter and family)

Laurie and Brendon Boyd and children Kaitlyn and Bryson of Thomasville, GA (Stepdaughter and family)

Numerous relatives and friends

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in memory of Betsy may be made to:

Mayo Clinic

Attn. Alzheimer’s Research Project

www.mayoclinic.com

1-800-297-1185

Northminster Baptist Church

3955 Ridgewood Road

Jackson, MS 39211

First United Methodist

100 Mount Salus Drive

Clinton, MS 39056

COPE Eldercare

P.O. Box 5825

Cary, NC 27512-0410

Woodland Community Church

300 Kildare Woods Drive

Cary, NC 27511