Judith Kay Reaume was born on April 21, 1939, to Norman and Edith Reaume of Dearborn Michigan. She joined big sister Barbara, and they were joined a few minutes later by twin sister Janet. In 1945, Edith passed away leaving Norm and the 3 girls. Grandma Lulu Reaume moved in to take care of the girls while their dad worked. Lillian (Adams) Oz entered the picture by marrying Norman in 1947. The growing family continued to grow with the addition of Susan, Elaine and Larry. In 1958 Judy married the love of her life, Donald McKenzie. They settled in Dearborn until a teaching job for Don in Rochester, Michigan in 1960 brought the couple up to Rochester where Judy worked at Michigan Christian College. In the fall of 1963 Don got a job teaching for the Dearborn Public Schools at Henry Ford Elementary and daughter Karen joined the couple that October. Don and Judy bought their first house in Dearborn in 1964. Daughter Melinda joined the family in 1966. Don and Judy were always known for the hard work at the Dearborn Church of Christ. Judy taught the 2- and 3-year-olds class for over 25 years. Their house was always open, and Judy was known for her hospitality, her sewing and her excellent cooking. Judy made clothes for the girls, her grandchildren, did alterations for friends and family and made prom dresses, bridesmaid dresses and even made wedding dresses for Karen, Melinda and a couple of others. Once Karen and Melinda were in school full time Judy went to work as the lunch cashier at Henry Ford Elementary in Dearborn. After several years she went to work as a clerk at the Dearborn Schools Credit Union where she worked for ten years. In 1998 following the closure of the Dearborn Church of Christ, Don and Judy began attending the Allen Park Church of Christ. Judy oversaw potlucks, funeral meals and ordering supplies for the Bible class program. Judy also helped with publishing the weekly bulletin. Oma, as she was known by all the grandchildren attended numerous school events, band concerts, sporting events and spent many hours “babysitting” whenever needed. She loved her grandchildren and they knew it! Even with her declining health and memory in the last few years, seeing her grandchildren and great grandchildren always brought a smile to her face. In 2021 with the decline of health, Don and Judy moved to Tennessee to be with daughter Karen.

Judy entered her eternal rest on April 2, 2026. Judy was proceeded in death by her parents, stepmother, and brother Larry.

Judy leaves behind her husband of 67 years, Donald, daughter Karen (Daniel) Sorensen, daughter, Melinda Pate, grandchildren: Rachel (Jonathan) Patterson, Heidi (Gabe) Kemp, Tim Yarbrough, Delilah Yarbrough, Ellie Yarbrough, Sarah Yarbrough, Noah Yarbrough, great-grandchildren: Parker Kemp, Kennedy Kemp, Timmy Yarbrough, Hope Patterson and Nora Kemp, siblings: Barbara Murray, Janet (Gordon) Payne, Susan (Don) Perry, Elaine (Don) Yuvan and sister-in-law Belinda Reaume and numerous nieces and nephews.

A come and go celebration of life reception will be held on Saturday, April 18, 2026 from 2:00 – 4:00 pm at the Bellevue Church of Christ (lower level, Room A120) 7401 Hwy 70 South, Nashville, TN 37221

In lieu of flowers donation can be made in Memory of Judy McKenzie to the American Cancer Society or the Alzheimer’s Association.