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GASTONIA - Sharon (Sherry) K. "Mac" McKenzie, passed away on September 29, 2020. She was born July 5, 1946, the daughter of Estelle S. and John M. McKenzie. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother J. Myron McKenzie, Jr. She was a lifelong member of First United Methodist Church.
A graduate of Frank L. Ashley High School and Gaston College, she received her B.A. Degree in social studies from Pfeiffer College (now University). Sherry taught at Albemarle Senior High School for 3 years where she served as Junior Class Advisor. She taught at Ashbrook High School for 28 years. While there, she directed the Miss Ashbrook Pageant for 20 years, served as Senior Class Advisor in 1984-1985 and was Student Council Advisor from 1979-1982. She also was a Senior Homeroom Teacher for 24 years, was the advisor for the Inter-Club Council, and the Junior Heart Board. In addition, she was the advisor for the Junior Marshalls for 10 years and served as the announcer and scorekeeper for the boys and girls track teams for 10 years.
A private graveside service will be held at Gaston Memorial Park. Sherry will lie in state from 1:00-6:00pm Thursday at McLean Funeral Directors of Gastonia for those wishing to come and pay their respects.
Survivors include her cousins, Randy and Patti Lowe, Chick Lowe, Don Lowe, Lucyanne Sumner, Donny and Susan Parker, Butch and Katie Smith, Vickie Arrangton, Judy Wollin, Jeff Smith, Steve and Jimmie Smith, Mike Smith, Sam and Terri McCulloch, Steven Wilson and their families. She is also survived by her honorary grandchildren, Maggie, Alex, and Emma Kate Griffin and their parents, Heather and Tripp Griffin.
Memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church, Medical Fund, 190 E. Franklin Blvd., Gastonia, NC 28052 or to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
Condolences may be sent online by visiting www.mcleanfuneral.com.
McLean Funeral Directors of Gastonia is serving the McKenzie family.
To Plant Memorial Trees in memory, please visit our Sympathy Store.
Published in Gaston Gazette on Sep. 30, 2020.
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Sandra Louise Rector (Page)
Sherry was one of my closest friends. We grew up together going to church and Sunday School, taking family beach trips, spending the night at each other’s home, cookouts...so many things including our time at Ashley and Gaston College. We could walk to Lineberger Park pool from her house. After I moved back home we saw each other from time to time around town. I have very, very good memories.
Marsha Lee Musard (McLamb)
Sherry and I had a great time at Ashley. We were in several classes together through the years. We also attended Rainbows on Mondays and went to eat pizza together at the Gondola and the Open Kitchen. We've lost a great friend. Rest in peace, Sherry.
Martha McPhail
Sherry and I were in Sunday school for years and also worked on youth service projects. We shared homeroom at Ashley all three years. I called her just a month ago and her memory of high school events was sharp. Sherry obviously contributed much to Ashbrook activities and students. She was a wonderful person and lived a good life.Walter Lee Cox
I was friends with Sherry all through high school. I hired her younger brother Myron when I worked at Carson Sporting Goods in the early 70's. His untimely death was a shock to everyone. He was still in high school. My mother always loved Sherry. After I moved to Charleston, Mom would always telling me when she would run into Sherry. She always asked about me. I'm sorry I didn't stay in touch as much as I should. She was always a kind, caring person we should all try to emulate. I'm sure she was an amazing teacher.
May God's Peace be with her family and friends.
William Nicholas Query
Sherry and I were in school together. She invited me to go to a Sadie Hawkins dance ( can't remember the year) had a great time. She was a most intelligent person and it is obvious she made a significant impact on the thousands of people she mentored and worked with. I am sorry to hear that she has passed.
Susan Whitesides (Bentley)
Sorry for Sharon passing. Do not remember her will look in my old annual for her. Praying for her family during this time.
Virginia Ann Beam (Harrison)
Sherry was a very sweet, kind person and very intelligent. She definitely was a good teacher with a lasting impression. I know this because my middle child had her at Ashbrook in the late 80s and admired her greatly. (That age group is hard to impress!!) One of my friends and I would see Sherry often when we were out for lunch; she would always come over and sit with us and talk. She always wanted to know how my daughter and her family were doing. She had such a wonderful sense of humor; I will miss those fun conversations. Rest In peace, my sweet friend.
Sandra Elaine Slutsky (Hutto)
Sherry and I were classmates for many years and I remember her as having a fun sense of humor and always a smile for others. I didn't know all that she had accomplished as an adult, but I'm not surprised. It seems she mentored many and they were lucky. May her memory be a blessing.