December 10, 1943 - January 25, 2025
Sorita Ellen Wheeler McKenzie, 81, of Trenton, GA, passed away on Saturday, Jan. 25, 2025.
Sorita, or CeCe as she was affectionately known by her family and close friends, was born on Dec. 10, 1943, in Chattanooga, Tenn., to I.H. (Pat, Jr.) and Delilah Willis Wheeler. She was a lifelong resident of Trenton and a graduate of Dade County High School. She earned a bachelor's degree from Lipscomb University in Nashville, Tenn., and a master's degree from the University of West Georgia in Carrollton. She was a teacher in the Dade County school system for many years, mostly at Davis Elementary School, and a member of the Delta Kappa Gamma organization for women educators. She was also a member of the Trenton Church of Christ. It was at a Bible study at the Trenton congregation where she met A.W. (Buddy) McKenzie, and where they wed on June 15, 1969. They celebrated more than 52 years of marriage before Buddy's passing in 2022. In addition to her work as a teacher, CeCe was a talented artist, cook, baker and musician who sang alto. She liked to knit, crafting afghans and baby blankets that became treasured keepsakes. She loved her family. Her life was full of creativity, humor, faith, love, resilience, individuality, color and joie de vivre. Sorita was preceded in death by her parents, husband and son, Patrick McKenzie.
She is survived by her son, Michael McKenzie; grandchildren, Ben and Ella McKenzie; daughter-in-law, Amanda McKenzie; sisters, Patricia Cheatham and Delilah West; and several nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
A service to celebrate her life will be held on Friday, February 14, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. at the Trenton Church of Christ. She will then be laid to rest with Buddy at Lake Hills Memorial Gardens.
Please share your thoughts and memories on her condolence page at ryanfuneralhome.net.
The family will receive friends on Friday, February 14th from 1:00 p.m. until the service hour at Trenton Church of Christ.
Arrangements are by Ryan Funeral Home & Crematory, Trenton, GA.
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