Ethel Faye McKenzie

Faye was born on March 25, 1928 to Riley Austin Payne and Ella Defoor Payne in Gravelly, Arkansas. She had three brothers, who all preceded her in death.

She grew up on her family’s farm and always said that her mother was the kindest person she had ever met. Her parents adored her and taught her a strong work ethic, Christian values, and the importance of family. In 1949, she married Paul M. McKenzie, and they were blessed with 57 years together before Paul’s death in 2006.

They had four children, Paul E. McKenzie of Collierville, TN (deceased), Mary Ellen Wenzler of Arlington, TN, Deborah Warmbrod of Jackson, TN, and Angela Horne of Germantown, TN, 9 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren, whom they loved tremendously and were very proud of. She was a student of Draughon’s Business College and became a business secretary and office manager for Mr. Plumber, Inc., a family-owned business started by her husband, Paul.

After retirement, she worked part-time for Holliday Flowers in Germantown, TN, where she was affectionately called “The Rose Queen” because of the beautiful rose arrangements she designed. Paul and Faye joined Farmington Presbyterian Church in 1989, where Faye participated in many church activities, including directing weddings and decorating for special events. She was a devoted wife, mother, and friend, and she set an example for her children of courage and commitment to Christian principles. She was a strong woman with a kind heart and sharp wit who loved her family, the beauty of nature, cooking, gardening, crafting, and refurbishing items to sell in her booth at Sheffield Antique Mall.

She was always dressed well and had a fantastic sense of style. She wished for her friends and family to realize that life is short and wanted them to focus on faith and a strong relationship with Christ, as she and Paul are looking forward to meeting them again in heaven. She did not fear death because of her faith and was well-prepared to meet the Lord. She was the matriarch of the family, and her presence, smile, and gentle and giving nature are sorely missed.

A memorial service will be held at Farmington Presbyterian Church at 8245 Farmington Blvd. in Germantown, TN on Sunday, January 26th at 2:30 pm.

Faye requested in-lieu of flowers to make a donation in her honor to your favorite charity.