Leander McKenzie

The Life of Leander McKenzie, Sr.

Leander McKenzie, Sr., son of Marie McKenzie Orr and Thomas Berry was born March 25, 1940.  He was raised by his mother and stepfather, William H. Orr.  Leander married Ellen Massey in 1961 and to this union, Leander McKenzie, Jr., Davius McKenzie, Aprasa McKenzie and Kazana McKenzie were born.  He later married Arreta Williams and he became the stepfather to Qianna Williams Griffin.  This marriage lasted until his demise.

Leander attended Phyllis Wheatley Elementary High School.  After leaving school, he continued his passion for being active by engaging in various forms of employment.  He was employed at Sunland Hospital, Frito Lay, and many years as an OCPS employee in custodial care at Apopka Elementary and Piedmont Middle School where he retired from in 2005.  Leander spent many years in lawn service keeping busy until his health declined.

Leander had a bubbly personality always smiling and showing love for others.  He was a member of New Hope Missionary Baptist Church from childhood where he served on the Usher Board and he sang in the Male Chorus.  Leander enjoyed giving of his time and resources to help make life better for those around him.  On October 24, 2020, Leander answered the call to be at rest from the cares of this world.

Leander was preceded in death by his father, Thomas Berry, his mother, Marie McKenzie Orr, stepfather, William H. Orr, Sister Lucetta Orr, brothers:  Clifford J. McKenzie and Thomas Berry.

Leander leaves precious memories with:  his devoted wife of 38 years, Arreta Williams McKenzie; Two sons, Leander McKenzie, Jr. (Elizabeth); Davius McKenzie (Wanda); both of Tallahassee, Florida; Three daughters:  Aprasa McKenzie, Qianna Griffin (Maurice); both of Apopka, Florida, Kazana McKenzie, Tallahassee, Florida.

Grandsons:  Leander McKenzie III (Brittany); Andre McKenzie, Darius McKenzie, Jaboris Haynes, and Landon McKenzie; Granddaughters:  Ariel McKenzie, Taylor Teague, Jamella Haynes, Olivia & Brooke Griffin; Brothers:  William V. Orr, Apopka, Florida; Carl Berry (Mozell), Lakeland, FL; Rev. Marvin Berry (LaShun) Memphis, Tennessee.

Sisters:  Gloria Foddrell (Alfred), St. Petersburg, FL; Sheila Orr, Annette McFadden, Apopka, FL; Theresa Fields (James) Tampa, Fl., Gail Jones (Ronald) Fort Meade, FL; MyZonia Stephens, Bartow, FL; Lucinda Hinson (James) Winter Haven, FL; Sister-in-laws:  Nettie Levett, Rose Mary Winzor (Samuel); Lola Monroe (Lucius); Bobbie McKenzie, Annie Williams (Charles); Aunts:  Charlee Starker and Pearl Galmon; God Daughter, Lissette Moody. 

A host of step grands, great grands, nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and friends.

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