Melvina Bentley McKenzie, 80, of Searcy, formerly of Mammoth Springs, Arkansas, passed away February 4, 2017 at Unity Health in Searcy.  She was born October 6, 1936 at Irvine, Kentucky to the late John Henry and Lula Jane Cook Bentley.
     Mrs. McKenzie was a sweet and loving mother and grandmother.  She always had an encouraging word even in the worst circumstances.  She was a sales clerk for Zales Jewelry Stores and Branniff Airlines, and lastly worked in the deli at the Town & Country in Thayer, MO.
     She married Joseph McKenzie Sr. April 20, 1957 at Doniphan, Missouri; he preceded her in death December 6, 2008.  She was also preceded in death by a daughter, Denna Lou McKenzie; sister, Geraldine McKee; and two brothers, Bristol and Silas Bentley.
     She is survived by four sons, Joseph McKenzie Jr. of Fort Worth, Tex., Dennis McKenzie (Mary) of Florida, Lonnie McKenzie (Gloria) of Cherokee Village, Ark., and Ronald McKenzie of Searcy; one daughter, Sherrie McKenzie of Searcy; and one sister, Flora Flanagen of Sierra Vista, Arizona; twelve grandchildren and ten great grandchildren.
     A memorial service will be held Tuesday, February 7, 2017 at New Life Church in Thayer, Missouri.  Her ashes will be interred at Holly Hills Memorial Park in Grandbury, Texas.