Betty Mckenzie

Mrs. Betty Jean McKenzie, age 79, of Martin passed away Monday, October 2, 2023.

Graveside service will be Thursday, October 5, 2023, 1:00 P.M. at East Side Cemetery with Rev. Cody Barner officiating.  Visitation will be Thursday beginning at 11:00 A.M. at Murphy Funeral Home.

She was a graduate of Martin High School and received advanced degrees from The University of Tennessee at Martin.  She began her 35 year career at Obion County Central High School in 1968.  During her career she taught college preparatory English and Geography, was the yearbook sponsor and served as Assistant Principal.  Betty's passion was literature especially British works.  She loved traveling to London and studying British History.  She often tutored students and after her retirement from OCCHS continued to tutor and teach English courses at Bethel University.  She literally touched the lives of thousands of students during her career.

Betty was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.  She was a member of the Martin Pilot Club and Central Baptist Church.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Earnest "Fats" and Marie Garrigus; her childhood sweetheart and husband, Ray McKenzie; brothers, Michael and Richard Garrigus; nephews, Tony and Tracey McGehee. 

She is survived by her son, Rick (Nancy) McKenzie; step-daughter, Falisha McKenzie; sister, Dot (Don) McGehee; grandchildren, Katharine (Chase) Vise and Nicholson (Laramie) McKenzie; great-grandchildren,  Hattie Beth and Cooper James Vise; nieces, Amber (Joel) Reynolds and Jessica (Hagen) Ashmore.