104th Birthday Celebration Mrs. Verna Stewart McKenzie

Mrs. McKenzie was born on January 27, 1916, in Hallsville, Texas, to Floyd and Mary Brown Daniels.

Verna and husband the late Rev. John R. Stewart were married for thirty-two years. They became the proud parents of twins, Dr. Jean R. Stewart and the late John R. Stewart. Several years later, after the death of Rev. Stewart, she married Mr. J.C McKenzie.

Mrs. Stewart McKenzie received a B.A. degree from Bishop College in 1942 and a Master of Education degree from Prairie View A&M University in 1956.

As an educator, Mrs. Stewart McKenzie taught in Marshall and Dallas ISD as an elementary school teacher for thirty-seven years until her retirement in 1979.

On January 26, 2020, Mrs. McKenzie marked her 104th birthday with a celebration at the African American Museum in Fair Park. Family, friends, and church members joined her.

Celebratory wishes were received and read. Among the well-wishers were: Governor Greg Abbott, Congresswoman Eddie B. Johnson, State Senator Royce West, State Rep. Toni Rose, and Mayor Eric Johnson. Prairie View A & M University acknowledged her as one of the oldest living graduates, if not the oldest, to be recognized as an alumnus.

Mrs. McKenzie expressed her appreciation and thanks to all who attended this unforgettable event. Next year will be bigger and better, 104 and counting.

Because of Mrs. McKenzie’s faithfulness to the Good Street Baptist Church and the fact that she sometimes drives herself to church, she was honored with a personal parking space. It was presented by Pastor Eddie L. Jenkins three years ago.