Melissa Ann McKenzie, age 67, of Gainesville, GA passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, May 29, 2024.
Melissa was born October 9, 1956 to the late Herbert Herbst and Edith Ryan Herbst in New York, NY. She was passionate about music from an early age and graduated from Concordia College Bronxville with a degree in music education. Much of Melissa’s adult life was spent in Newburyport, MA, where she was actively involved in her church and spent countless hours sharing her love of music as part of various performance groups both in and out of the church. Also known for her style and spark, she enjoyed traveling, entertaining, and creating a beautiful home for her family.
She is survived by her husband, Carl McKenzie of Gainesville, GA; daughter, Taylor (Gabriel) Kelly of Gainesville, GA; sisters, Celeste (Peter) Billia of Harwich, MA and Dawn (Dave) Tucker of Conway, SC; brothers Christopher Herbst and Richard Herbst, and many nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held at 2:00 P.M. Tuesday, June 4, 2024 at Memorial Park South Chapel with Pastor Andy Seibert officiating. The family will receive friends from 12:00 to 2:00 P.M. prior to the service at Memorial Park South Funeral Home. The family will also be hosting a memorial service at her home church, Our Savior Lutheran Church, in Topsfield, MA on Saturday, June 8 at 1:00 P.M. with Pastor Joe Nolett officiating.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, Donate - Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (pancan.org), 1500 Rosecrans Avenue, Suite 200
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266.
Memorial Park South Funeral Home, 4121 Falcon Parkway, Flowery Branch, Georgia 30542 is in charge of arrangements. Send on-line condolences to www.memorialparkfuneralhomes.com.