ZELMA GAY MCKENZIE

Zelma Gay McKenzie, age 68, won her battle with cancer on Friday March 11,2022 with her family at her side. Zelma was born on July 30,1953 in Dickenson County. to Joseph Larkin and Hannah Deloris Carty of Clintwood. Zelma had eight brothers. She was a lifelong resident of Dickenson County. Zelma graduated from Clintwood High School in 1971. Zelma was married to her love Earl for almost 48 years. Together they had two children, Crystal Stallard (Joe) and Derek McKenzie (Christy) of Haysi. Earl and Zelma lived on Caney Ridge, where they made a loving home.

Earl and Zelma met at Clintwood Garment Factory, where they both worked for 30 years. They both went on to work at The Front Porch and Ruby B’s restaurant. Later they worked at Norton Community Hospital for 15 years, where they both retired from. Zelma was a cook in the dietary department.

Zelma was a wonderful cook and a well-loved Granny to Samuel Shortt (Daisy), Isaac Shortt, Naomi Shortt, Eden Shortt, Joanna McKenzie and Jonathan Dallafior. Zelma also was loved by three very special grandchildren, Mary Jo Stallard, Brianna Correntt (Allen) and Peyton Stallard. Zelma attended Rachel Chapel Church on Caney Ridge. She was of the Baptist faith.

Zelma was preceded in death by her father, Joseph Larkin Carty and four brothers, Mickey, Elmer, Gary and Avery Carty.

Zelma is survived by her mother Deloris Carty, Kingsport Tenn.; husband Earl of Clintwood; daughter Crystal and husband Joe Stallard of Norton; son, Derek McKenzie and fiancé Christy Dallafior of Haysi. She is also survived by all her grandchildren and four of her brothers, Freddie, Troy, Bobby and Sammy Carty.

The family would like to recognize Home Nursing Company Home Health and Hospice of Clintwood VA for their dedication and caring for Zelma and family. The compassion they showed to Zelma will never be forgotten.

The family would also like to thank Rachel Chapel Church for their care and help during this time.

Funeral services were held Monday, March 14 at 7 p.m. at the Clintwood Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Willie Stanley officiating. Visitation began at 5 p.m. Family and friends were requested to meet at Clintwood Funeral Home on Tuesday, March 15 at 12:30 p.m. to proceed to Kennedy Cemetery, Caney Ridge, where a graveside service began at 1 p.m. Pallbearers were Cliff Phipps, Joe Stallard, Samuel Shortt, Isaac Shortt, Derek McKenzie and Payton Stallard. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.clintwoodfuneralhome.com.

Zelma and family are in the care of Clintwood Funeral Home.