Irene (Smith) McKenzie

We are only truly gone when we disappear from the memories of those who loved us. So long as they speak your name, you shall never die. Her name means so many things. It means strength, resilience, love, charity, prosperity and forgiveness, Her name means, "Mama". She leaves those left here on Earth, the gifts of grace, amusement and inspiration. She lived life fully by her terms with her husband, Richard McKenzie until his passing in June of 2000.

Irene was born November 26, 1937, to Nord and Charlotte Smith in Joffre, AL. She attended Autauga Training School and made a career as a Dietician. She retired from Coosa Valley Detention Center.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Richard McKenzie; Mother, Charlotte Smith; Father, Nord Smith; four brothers: Jessie Smith, Nord Smith Jr., Lorenzo Smith and Albert Smith; three sisters, Katherine Goodson, Jessie Bell Smith and Lottie Mae Wilson.

She leaves to cherish her memories, one sister: Velma Bush of Anniston, AL and one brother: Otis Smith of Mt. Morris, Michigan; Five children: Frank (Gloria) Smith of Prattville, AL; Brenda Cooper of Anniston, AL; David Cooper of Birmingham, AL; Sara (Tyron) Cooper-Bowman of Anniston, AL and Dennis Cooper of Prattville, AL. Seven grandchildren: Shekita Cooper of Anniston, AL; Shevita Cooper of Powder Springs, GA; Cordarious Cooper of Birmingham, AL; Tyesha Cooper of Birmingham, AL; Courtney Smith of Memphis, TN; Cristi Kelly of Minneapolis, MN; Samantha Smith of Washington, IN; Great grandchildren Jordan Romine, Asia Bradford, Donovan Martin, Nadia Burton, Sanaa Burton, Kingdyn Cooper, Avi Cooper, Cween Cooper, Courtney Foy, Jer'Coriea Horn, Caffery Horn, Lynnox Horn, Mckenzie Kelley, Makiyah Kelley, Jayla Smith, and Joshua Johnson Special Acknowledgement to her Godchild, Courtney (King) Romero and her Godson, KJ; The Holcombe, Smith, Elston, Henry, Bowie and Duncan families.

Her memories will also continue to be shared by a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, neighbors and friends. The way she touched our lives will always remain.

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