We have been made aware that families being served by Fox & Weeks are being contacted by individuals requesting payment over the phone. Fox & Weeks will not contact a family requesting payment over the phone. Please contact the Savannah Police Department immediately if you are contacted and asked to make payment over the phone. Please contact Fox & Weeks if you have any questions.
Celebrating the life of
Brenda N. McKenzie
Passed away on August 02, 2024
DUE TO THE UNCERTAINTY OF THE WEATHER, THE FUNERAL SERVICE HAS BEEN CHANGED TO THURSDAY, AUGUST 8, 2024 AT 11:00 A.M. AT THE SANCTUARY CHURCH OF SAVANNAH.
Brenda Newsome McKenzie passed on August 2, 2024. She was born on March 11, 1941 in Glascock County, Georgia to Jordan Russell and Elouise Morris Newsome. Brenda began playing the piano at age 10, and that talent would later figure greatly into much of her life and contributions to the Savannah community. She graduated from Savannah High School and attended Armstrong College.
Brenda married Henry Hartwell McKenzie, and they were blessed with a daughter, Stephanie McKenzie King. Brenda worked at Dyches Properties up until her death. Along with work and the piano, Brenda collected music boxes, nutcrackers, and nativities. She loved chickens and roosters and tended to them throughout her life. She delighted in shopping and was all about glitz, glamour, and glitter; she did not know how to dress down!
There is no way to count how many weddings, funerals, worship services, special song services, and offertories Brenda performed without fanfare. She could play any song from any hymnal anywhere. Frankly, she did not need a hymnal. No matter what key the singers aspired to, Brenda would automatically and gracefully transpose it to the right key for the singers. She played at church services all over Savannah for over 60 years. She was loved for her musical gifts and the way she made each church event special and memorable.
Brenda worked, played, and enjoyed her friends and family. She relished family activities and stayed busy with her daughter and granddaughters. Her parents, brother, and husband predeceased her. Her daughter, Stephanie and her husband, Kevin King, and granddaughters McKenzie and Macey King, and niece and two nephews survive her.
There will be a celebration of life at the Sanctuary Church of Savannah on Whitefield Ave on Thursday, August 8, 2024. Visitation will be from 10-11 a.m. with the service beginning at 11 a.m.
DUE TO THE WEATHER, PLEASE NOTE THE CHANGE IN THE DAY FOR THE SERVICE TO THURSDAY.
I am so so sorry. I love Brenda so much. What a very special lady! I have never met a sweeter person in my life. We will be praying for the family and all who love her. She is with her sweet Jesus now. Love, Janet and Allan Bradham
- Janet Bradham, Savannah, GA
Stephanie: I'm so sorry to hear that Brenda has left and is now in heaven I loved my cousin Brenda so much. She will be greatly missed. What a wonderful person and such a gifted pianist she was. You and the family will be in my prayers. Love, Linda
- Linda Jones, Savannah, GA
I’m so sorry to hear about Brenda’s passing. She was a very special lady. I worked with her at Dyches Construction for a long time. I know she is in a much better place and that she will be missed by all.
- Mary Oglesby, Savannah , Georgia
Stephanie, I am so sorry for your loss.
- Cheryl Clay, Tybee Island, Ga
Stephanie, I am so sorry to hear of your mother’s passing. Such a beautiful sweet lady who absolutely loved you to the fullest!
- Jennifer Parrott Dempsey, Shellmans Bluff, GA
BRENDA WAS A VERY SPECIAL PERSON TO US. SAD TO HEAR SHE LEFT US. PRAYERS FOR THE FAMILY.
- debbie and john ainslie, savannah, ga
Stephanie and family, what a blessing your mom was to so many lives. The God-given talent she had was unselfishly shared with so many through so many years, and I was one who was blessed to see and hear her bring a piano to life. I moved away from Savannah many years ago, so have missed her even before she graduated to Heaven, but rejoice that she has made it home and is now happy, well, and with her loved ones there. Prayers for you and your family as you go through the journey that lies ahead for you.
- Barbara Baker Wright, Wake Forest, NC
Stephanie, We share the loss of your sweet sweet mom. Each song she played was a “Recital” Stone croft Ministries will be void of her beautiful talents and wonderful smile. No more pain, now in the arms Of the one she modeled life after, Jesus. Rest in Peace Brenda, until we meet again. Jerry & Mary Alice
- Mary Alice Hendrix Jerry Hendrix, SAVANNAH, GA
Mrs Brenda was the sweetest lady. I will miss her phone calls and our conversations. Stephanie our prayers are with you and your family. Dianne
- Dianne Collins, POOLER, GA
We are so sorry to hear of Miss Brenda’s passing. It was a joy serving with her on the worship team week after week at Calvary. We all loved hearing her play piano. I know stepping away from that was hard for her. But now she is probably playing for the Lord, literally. Many prayers for the Lord’s peace and comfort for you all during this time.
- Richie Jervis, Savannah, Ga
I can't begin to express the sadness that I feel at the passing of Miss Brenda. She is among a very elite group of the most talented piano players I have ever met. I believe with all my heart there is a grand piano in heaven with her name on it. I can't wait to hear her play again one day.
- Patrick Mulvehill, Bethlehem, GA
Condolences to family and friends.
- Stanley devegter, Savannah , Georgia
Stephanie, please know that my heart is with you, Kevin and the girls today and the days to come. May you find peaceful comfort with the many wonderful memories she provided. Love you all!! Johnny and Teresa
- Johnny and Teresa Orvin, Richmond Hill, Georgia
I fondly recall reaching out to Dyches Properties on numerous occasions, where Brenda consistently greeted me with warmth and grace, saying, 'Dyches Properties, this is Brenda.' Her charming demeanor and ability to handle any situation with finesse always left a lasting impression. Only recently did I discover Brenda's remarkable talent as a musician. She poured her heart and soul into her music for the glory of God, and now I take comfort in knowing that she is singing with the angels. We will cherish the memories of her dearly. Sending much love.
- MiQuan Green of MGreen Productions , Savannah, GA
I’m so shocked to find out that Mrs. Brenda has passed away. She was so sweet every time I would come in Dyches Building. I look forward to seeing her, just to see her smile and dressed up, With the cutest accessories. She will be truly missed. I send my sincerely condolences to her family.
- Kyndra (Kyforbeauty llc), Savannah , Ga
Welcome home thou good and Faithful servant! Stephanie my prayers are with you and family. May you feel Gods peace that passes all understanding !
- Joyce Thomas, Savannah, GA
Over a period of sixteen years, Brenda always met me with a smile each time I popped by Dyches Construction. She just emanated with happiness and love. Such a beautiful, Christian lady who will be missed. My deepest sympathy to her family.
- Erin Raley, Savannah, GA
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200
- Visitation
- 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on Thu, August 08, 2024
- The Sanctuary Church
-
8912 Whitefield Ave (map)
SAVANNAH GA 31406 - 912-691-1148
- Funeral Service
- 11:00 a.m. on Thu, August 08, 2024
- The Sanctuary Church
-
8912 Whitefield Ave (map)
SAVANNAH GA 31406 - 912-691-1148
- A private burial will be held