Dorothy Helen McKenzie

Dorothy Helen Neal McKenzie, 79, of St. Albans, passed away August 7, 2017, at Hubbard Hospice House West, after a long, courageous battle with Alzheimer’s. Helen was born on October 9, 1937, at Sod in Lincoln County, WV. She was a homemaker, one whose main focus was always that of her home and family. She was a wonderful wife, an amazing mother and grandmother, and a loving Christian woman. Helen was preceded in death by her parents, Alonzo and Rosie Neal, her sisters Ruth Goode and Alma Neal; brothers, Harold, Roy, and Carl Neal, and Virgil Smith, and her beloved husband Jesse. Helen was the epitome of the definition of a Christian woman. She gave of her time, talents, and means to help and serve other people. She made countless meals for sick and shut-ins, sent numerous cards of love and encouragement to others, and visited many hours with those who were in mourning. She was a member of the Church of Christ all of her life, having attended the Council Gap, Washington Street, Midway and South Charleston congregations. No matter which location of the Lord’s Church she attended, she was an active, faithful member who strived to put God and others first. When she was a member of the Washington Street Church of Christ, she worked diligently with the “Flower Ladies”, weekly gathering flowers, making corsages, and delivering them to patients at local hospitals. If a friend, family member or even a complete stranger was in need, Helen was always among the first to lend her hand to help. She found great reward and joy in the service of others. Helen fiercely loved her family. She loved and adored her husband, Jesse, for everyday of the almost 63 years they spent together until the Lord called him home before her earlier this Spring. Even when the Alzheimer’s and related health issues affected her mind and body, her smile and love for Jesse still shone as bright as the midday sun. Helen was a dedicated mother and grandmother as well. She provided everything and more that a child could want, most importantly kindness, compassion, encouragement, and undying love. She strove to raise her children in a Christian home and instill the love of God in their hearts. Even until the end, the love for her family was unwavering and inspirational. Helen is survived by her daughter and her husband, Debbie and S.A. Hutson of St. Albans, and her son, Kevin McKenzie of St. Albans. She is survived by her granddaughter, whom she and Jesse raised as their own, and her husband, Michelle and John Johnson, of St. Albans. She is also survived by many other extended family members and a host of friends. Helen was a member of the South Charleston Church of Christ and loved her spiritual family more that words can express. She was a faithful member who loved to serve and worship her Lord. Even when her health issues made it impossible for her to attend services anymore, we knew she was there in heart and spirit. She was a godly woman who inspired many others to obey the Gospel throughout her lifetime. “She opens her mouth in wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue” (Proverbs 31:26). Helen’s kindness and godly influence combined with genuine love for her family and friends will forever be her legacy. Visitation for her family and friends will be held at Bartlett-Chapman Funeral Home, St. Albans, on August 10, 2017, from 5 to 8 p.m. Funeral service will be held on August 11, 2017, at 11 a.m. at the funeral home with Minister Louis Watts officiating. The family would like to thank the staff of Hubbard Hospice House West for the kindness, care and compassion they showed Helen from the moment she arrived at the facility. Although she was only there a very short time, they could not have been more amazing and we will forever be grateful. Share memories of Helen on her tribute page at ChapmanFuneralHomes.com. Bartlett-Chapman Funeral Home, family-owned and located at 409 Sixth Avenue, St. Albans, is honored to serve the McKenzie family.