James Willis McKenzie

Jimmy Doll, as he was affectionately called by his wife, James Willis, Jimmy Mack, Uncle Jimmy, Uncle Shimmie and Mr. Mack, was born to the late Albert McKenzie & Elizabeth Ellen Worthington-McKenzie on June 23, 1929, in the rural area of Farmville, North Carolina. He was the stepson of Sarah McKenzie. He attended Lewis Chapel Public School in Pitt County North Carolina. At the age of 15, he moved to Berlin, Maryland, seeking employment. On June 2, 1947, he married his childhood sweetheart, Mary Lee Suggs and moved to Washington, D.C. From this union were two sons. They both were employed by the Sherman Hotel. Mr. Mack was later employed by Capitol Liquors Inc., and Jimmy's Tire Shop. His final place of employment was at First Baptist Church on New Hampshire and Randolph, Street N.W., where he worked until his health declined. While employed at First Baptist Church (although not a member) he tithed faithfully. Mr. Mack joined New Hope Freewill Baptist Church in Washington, DC at an early age where he served as an Usher. He later joined Faith Temple No. 2 in Capitol Heights Maryland where he was active until his help declined. Mr. Mack was a boxer, the manager of Little Royal and the Swing Masters Band and sang with the ___________ quartet. He also decided to further his education by attending night school which enabled him to read and study his Bible daily. He would joke by saying he was going to be Preacher and was always prophesying or singing to those whom he came in contact with. He always kept a smile! Jimmy loved his family dearly, especially his wife, grandchildren and his beautiful sisters. He constantly told us how beautiful we were and how much he loved us. He spoke highly about his grandchildren and was very proud of their accomplishments. Uncle Jimmy and Aunt Mary house was a free for all house and all the family members that migrated from North Carolina had a place to call home until they were able to become independent. Family dinners (especially Thanksgiving) was a fun time for all because we loved preparing a platter full of food and watch him eat it ALL. On October 15, 2014, while singing his last song God said “Come on Home Jimmy Mack, I have a better place for you up here”. He leaves to cherish his memories, his loving and devoted wife of 67 years, Mary Lee McKenzie; two sons, James Albert (Sylvia) of Killeen, Texas; Ronald Melvin of California and one daughter Regina Okumko of Hyattsville, Md.; Four brothers; Kenneth McKenzie (Monet), of Fayetteville, N.C.; and Alton McKenzie of Washington, D.C.; (two preceded him in death: John A. and Harry Lee) 4 four sisters; Bettie McKenzie-Mabry, Greenbelt, Md.; Carol Artis of Baltimore, Md.; Joan Mainor of Hyattsville, Md. and Doris (Rev. Roland White) of Hyattsville, Md.; one Aunt, Mable Glenn Hooks of Winterville, N.C.; 14 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great grandchild; nieces, nephews, and a host of other relatives and friends.

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James Willis McKenzie

June 23, 1929 - October 15, 2014