Etta Carol King McKenzie was born December 8, 1953 in Marshall, TX. She was born of the union of Eddie and Carolyn King. Her father, Eddie, preceded her in death.

At a very young age, Etta's parents relocated to Kansas City, MO. Growing up as an only child, Etta made several friends outside her home, many of whom remain friends to this day. As a young girl and devout Christian, she regularly attended services at Friendship Baptist Church. She later graduated from Southeast High School in 1971. She attended Texas Southern University (TSU) in Houston, TX where she became a member of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. Etta was incredibly proud to be a Delta, and she remained extremely active and engaged her entire life. Etta graduated from TSU in 1971 with a degree in Psychology.

One of Etta's first jobs after returning to Kansas City, MO was with Southwestern Bell. It was at her initial job interview, she would meet her future husband, Kenneth McKenzie. They would later marry on November 29, 1977 in a ceremony in Las Vegas, NV. They returned to Kansas City and threw a grand reception at Kauffman Stadium. In 1982, they had their first child, Kenneth McKenzie, Jr.

A few short years later, in 1985, the family relocated to Tulsa, OK for work. There, Etta began working for Allstate Insurance. Etta always had a strong sense of community and an entrepreneurial drive. She was active in many community-based organizations, including the Simon Estes Educational Foundation and took a leadership role in many other organizations. She also considered several business ventures including a French fry vending machine, self-bagging lawnmowers and even pursued owning her own McDonald's Franchise. Etta managed all of this while, in 1987, giving birth to her second child, Kamille Elise McKenzie.

In 1990, the family returned to Kansas City, MO. Upon returning, Etta was selected as a State Farm Agent, where she remained until her passing. She continued her focus on community organization and entrepreneurial spirit and became an active member of the St. James United Method Church. Etta led a very productive life mentoring young people and serving as an excellent Christian example to everyone she encountered. She worked tirelessly in civic organizations as a member and in leadership roles. Etta turned her childhood home into a daycare center to help mothers in need of childcare. She was a very proud and active member of a phenomenal group of ladies that call themselves The First Friday Ladies. One of the most endearing things to her was a watermelon patch that seemingly appeared from nowhere. It produced yellow meat watermelons the size of honeydew melons and were as sweet as sugar. She was very excited and called everyone she knew to brag about her harvest. Her desire, in the coming spring, was to plant a real garden. Etta was a consistent force of warmth, happiness and caring wherever she went and her presence on this Earth will be greatly missed.

She and Kenneth lived a beautiful, Godly life, and they went Home together. She is survived by her mother Carolyn, Son Kenneth (Dawn), Daughter Kamille and Pugsley (their pet Boston Terrier), and many, many relatives and caring friends.

Services for Mrs. McKenzie will be held 11:00 A.M. Friday, January 22, 2021, at Friendship Baptist Church.  Burial Forest Hill Cemetery.  Friends may call from 6:00 to 8:00 P. M. Thursday, January 21, 2021, at E. S. Eley & Sons Funeral Chapel.

Thoughtful care and services provided by E. S. ELEY & SONS FUNERAL CHAPEL.