Mary McVea McKenzie

Mary (Molly) McVea McKenzie was born on November 7, 1939, and passed away on October 12, 2026. A lifelong resident of Baton Rouge, Molly’s entire life was a beautiful reflection of grace, love, and kindness. She dedicated her life to helping others, and she leaves a lasting legacy of pure love. Her voice and smile could immediately brighten anyone’s day.

Molly attended “Miss Georgie Jones” first grade on Convention Street (an “old Baton Rouge” tradition), Dufrocq School, Highland School, and the University Laboratory School, where she graduated in 1957. She attended Stephens College and returned to LSU, graduating in 1961 in education, where she was a member of Chi Omega Sorority. She married her high school sweetheart, Shelby McKenzie, in 1961, and they had three children. They were married for 65 years. She was a member of St. James Episcopal Church until she joined her husband at First United Methodist. She was an active church member throughout her life, especially with United Methodist Women and the youth programs.

She taught at St. James Episcopal Day School until she retired to raise her family. Taking her experiences as a teacher to heart, she became a community advocate who believed deeply in equal access to education for everyone. Molly spent her life in service to her community and shared her boundless love with all the people she met along her journey.

After attending the merger of the Black and White Conferences of the Louisiana Methodist Women in 1970, Molly was inspired to help organize an interracial social group composed of women from First United Methodist, Wesley Methodist, and Hughes Methodist churches. Through this group, Molly fostered friendships across racial lines and united women to drive positive change in the Baton Rouge community.

During the desegregation of public schools, she volunteered as a teacher’s aide in a segregated classroom, which led to her being chosen as a charter member of the EBR School Board’s interracial study committee.

As a longtime member of the Junior League of Baton Rouge, Molly worked with the newly formed Junior League’s Community Volunteer Bureau and the East Baton Rouge Parish School Board. This effort led to the birth of the Volunteers in Public Schools program in East Baton Rouge Parish.

During the 1980s, she spent much of her volunteer time helping with the relocation of several Vietnamese and Laotian families who had been sponsored by her church. She remained close to several of these families.

In 1965, she was appointed by the Metro Council to a term on the East Baton Rouge Parish Library Board of Control. She served on the Library Board for 24 years, serving as Secretary, Vice-President, and President. Sensing the need for a stable funding system for the Parish Library’s needs, she became a strong supporter of the Library Tax Proposal, which passed successfully in 1986. She was the founder and longtime President of the Patrons of the Public Library.

In 1987, she was honored by the Baton Rouge Speech & Hearing Foundation as a “Volunteer Activist for her keen awareness of community needs and her tenacity to quickly develop programs to meet those needs.”

In 1992, she opened a bookstore to specialize in her favorite subjects: anthropology, cross-cultural spiritual similarities, and Jungian psychology. Today, Coyote Moon Books & Gifts continues to offer a unique place for spiritual growth in a welcoming atmosphere.

Molly and Shelby enjoyed most of their retirement on a small farm in Spillman, LA, which they have owned for more than 55 years. Together they hosted many fun-filled gatherings of family and friends over the years, creating fond memories for all.

She is survived by her husband Shelby McKenzie; her children Charles McVea McKenzie (spouse Elissa), Leslie McKenzie Porter (spouse Lance Porter); her brother Charlie McVea (spouse Missy); her niece Molly Donalson; her nephew Charlie McVea (and family); and her grandchildren Kenneth McVea McKenzie (spouse Allison), William Scot McKenzie (spouse Amy), Jane Shelby Porter, Charles Alexander McKenzie, and Katherine Dolores Porter.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Dr. Charles McVea and Mildred Lamoreaux McVea, her sister Jane McVea Donalson, and her eldest son, Douglas Shelby McKenzie.

Her family would like to thank the many dedicated doctors, nurses, and caregivers who provided continuous support during her later life.

Instead of flowers, please consider a memorial donation to St. Lillian Academy, a special education school where her daughter-in-law, Elissa McKenzie, is Head of School, or the National Parks Foundation.

Funeral services will be Friday, October 23, at First United Methodist Church. Visitation begins at 9:00 am with the service to begin at 10:00 am in the Sanctuary.