Dora F. McKinzie

Dora Frances McKinzie was born on May 1, 1948, in Clio, South Carolina to the late Francis E. Smith and the late Martha E. Smith Fitzgerald. Dora, lovingly called “Mae”, is the oldest of ten siblings. Together, she and her husband of 51 years, Willie, raised their children, Wilbert, Willie, Pamela, and LaTysse, and nurtured many more. Dora was a member of St. Luke Christian Community Church for over 60 years. Dora loved spending time with her family and friends. She had a strong passion for travel and adventure, and especially dancing. Dora was a truly remarkable woman whose presence had the power to elevate any environment she graced. With a radiant smile that illuminated every room and a charming personality that effortlessly drew people in, she embodied warmth and kindness. She embodied the essence of a true matriarch, guiding her family with unwavering love, grace, strength, resilience, integrity and wisdom. Dora is preceded in death by her late husband, Willie McKinzie, Sr., grandson, Nairee English, parents Francis Smith and Martha Smith-Fitzgerald (stepfather Jerry Fitzgerald), sister Darcell Mitchell; and three brothers, Frank, Marvin, and Kenneth Smith. She leaves to cherish her memory, her four children Wilbert McKinzie, Willie McKinzie, Jr. (Nadege), Pamela Davis (James) and LaTysse McKinzie-Mack (Marcus); Ten grandchildren: Tahkee, Esquire, Anthony (Alexandria), Jabree, Brittany, Oinye, Alyssa, Genessa and Jaden; ten great-grandchildren: Mahki, Mahlani, Jayden Anthony, Harlowe, Hendrix, Jayden, Ajanae, Amara, Ari and Ah’Niyana; And her four-legged son, Bugs; Goddaughters: Michelle Hill (Richard), Deitra Redd, Deeneen Redd, Khaliyah Campbell and Terri Martin. Godsons: Joseph Smith and Ronnie Thomas (Cheryl). Bonus daughters Eugenia Bright and Alisha McKinzie. Two brothers, Donnie Smith, and Nathaniel Smith, Three sisters: Deretha White, Sarah Taylor (Ron) and Cathy Smith; sister-in laws: Judy Smith, Nada Smith, Martha Prince, Thelma Price, JoAnn Price (William), Ava McKenzie and Courtney McKenzie; brother in-laws: Jimmy Ray McKenzie (Nylon), and Bobby Joe McKenzie (Justine), Claude McKenzie (Gaye), and Edward McKenzie. Her special friend Winston Gacutan, and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, and life-long friends.

Dora F. McKinzie

May 1, 1948 - March 17, 2026