In Loving Memory of Susan Kay Mckenzie

1968 - 2024

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Susan Kay McKenzie who peacefully left this world on December 25, 2024, in Fort Worth, Texas. A devoted wife, mother, friend, and servant to her country and community, Susan's life was a tapestry woven with love, resilience, and unwavering dedication to others. Born on November 21, 1968, in Muskegon, Michigan, to Gerald Edward Woodyard and Marilyn Jean Carpenter, Susan began life in the embrace of a family filled with love. She spent her earliest years in Michigan before moving with her family to Watauga, Texas, at the age of five or six. Raised in a home where love, kindness, and strength were paramount, Susan grew up alongside her beloved siblings, Christina and Gerald, forming bonds that would last a lifetime. Baptized in the Catholic faith, Susan carried her spirituality as a guiding light throughout her life. A proud graduate of Haltom City High School in 1989, Susan pursued higher education at Columbus State University in Georgia, earning a Bachelor's Degree in Earth and Space Science "Geology". Susan in her spare time would volunteer at the Perot Museum of Nature and Science Fossil Lab in Dallas Texas. Her intellect and determination shone brightly, laying the foundation for a life of varied and meaningful contributions. Susan's professional journey was as remarkable as it was diverse. She initially followed her passion for healing as a nurse practitioner at Texas Health in downtown Fort Worth, offering her patients not only exceptional care but also boundless empathy. Answering a deeper call to serve, Susan joined the United States Army, embarking on a distinguished career that took her across the globe. In Germany, she excelled in intelligence, while at Fort Benning, Georgia, she served as a combat medic, embodying courage and selflessness. Susan retired from the Army with immense pride, carrying with her the respect and admiration of all who served alongside her. Her contributions extended beyond the military. Susan served her community as a police officer and jailer with the Columbus, Georgia, Police Department before dedicating herself to saving lives as a CareFlite medic in Texas.  No matter her role, Susan's purpose was always clear: to make the world a better place for those in need. In 2006, Susan's life was forever changed when she met the love of her life, Julius "Chris" Christopher McKenzie. From their very first moments together, it was evident that they shared a connection that was rare and profound.Chris admired Susan's intelligence, her warmth, and her unyielding compassion, while Susan found in Chris a steadfast partner and best friend. Their love was a testament to the beauty of true companionship—a bond forged in mutual respect, laughter, and shared dreams. Married in April 2008, Susan and Chris became inseparable. They were more than husband and wife; they were each other's anchor, confidant, and greatest joy. Together, they traveled the world, shared countless adventures, and supported each other through life's triumphs and challenges. They built a home filled with love, laughter, and the deep satisfaction of raising their family. Whether spending quiet evenings together, volunteering in their community, or simply enjoying one another's presence, Susan and Chris exemplified the beauty of a life lived in love. A passionate volunteer, Susan dedicated herself to helping others through organizations like Team Rubicon, where she contributed to disaster relief efforts. Her intellectual curiosity was matched only by her love for the arts, music, and nature. She found joy in the melodies of 1980s music, the beauty of galleries and museums, and the companionship of her cherished animals, including her four dogs. Although an injury prevented her from horseback riding, Susan's love for horses remained a lifelong dream. Susan is survived by her devoted husband, Julius "Chris" C. McKenzie; her children,Clay A. Laska and his wife Olivia; Elizabeth P. Tucker and her husband Garrett and son Liam; Joseph L. McKenzie, and John S. McKenzie; and her treasured grandchild. She also leaves behind her sister, Christina Cox, and her husband Charles; her brother, Gerald Carpenter; her stepfather, Bobby Carpenter; and countless extended family members and friends who were blessed by her light. She was preceded in death by her parents, Gerald Edward Woodyard and Marilyn Jean Carpenter, whose legacies she honored through her life of service and compassion. Services to celebrate Susan's extraordinary life will be held on Monday, January 13, 2025, at the Roberts Family Funeral Chapel in Haltom City. A visitation will begin at 9:00 a.m., followed by a funeral service at 10:00 a.m. Susan will be laid to rest with military honors at 2:00 p.m. at the Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery. Susan Kay McKenzie lived a life filled with purpose, love, and grace. Her legacy of selflessness and devotion will continue to inspire all who were fortunate enough to know her. She will be deeply missed but forever remembered.