Velma McKenzie

Velma Norine McKenzie, age 75, of Lamar, passed away Thursday night, July 27, 2017, at Moore-Few Care Center in Nevada, Missouri.      Velma was born December 2, 1941, in Ava, Missouri, the daughter of Monroe and Audra (Graham) Strong and was raised by her mother and step-father, Floyd Harris. Velma was preceded in death by her parents and three brothers, Russell Harris, Bob Harris, and Jack Harris.      On December 3, 1973, at Miami, Oklahoma, Velma married the love of her life, Marvin E. McKenzie and they made their home in Lamar for the past 44 years.  Velma and Marvin worked side-by-side, creating craft products which they sold in area craft malls and enjoyed sharing the abundance of their large vegetable gardens with neighbors and friends.  They were long-time faithful members of Cornerstone Southern Baptist Church and loved gospel music.  Blessed with a keen sense of humor and an outgoing personality, Velma never met a stranger and her kindness and compassion for others made her a true and loving friend to everyone who knew her.        Survivors include her husband, Marvin, of the home; a step-son, Mike McKenzie, Joplin; two grandchildren, Zack and Rachelle McKenzie; sisters-in-law, Alvenna Valentine, Lamar, Mary Jane Kaderly, Belton, Dorothy Harris, Cedar Park, Texas, and Rose Casey, Lamar; a double cousin, Eftin & wife Ingrid Strong, Sequim, Washington; and numerous nieces and nephews.      Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, August 1st, at Daniel Funeral Home where the family will receive friends from 6:00 until 7:00 p.m. Monday.  Burial will be in Lockwood Cemetery.      Memorial contributions are suggested to the American Cancer Society in care of the funeral home.