- Date Of Birth: August 2, 1929
- Date Of Death: February 2, 2015
- State: Alabama
Mr. McKenzie was born August 2, 1929 to Louise C. (Nease) and Robert Mitchell was a man of strength and calmness. He, like his mother and father lived of purposeful life – valuing education, teaching and work. To this end Mitchell – born in Hartselle, Alabama completed grade school and before college was an accomplished piano student. He continued his studies at Alabama State College for Negroes (formerly known as The State Teachers College, now as Alabama State University) Montgomery, Alabama. Although he was called away from college to serve in the United States Air Force during the Korean War in 1951, he completed service to his country – receiving an honorable discharge. Mitchell also completed his Bachelor’s of Art degree in Music Education, becoming a concert and classical pianist learning the works of Bach, Beethoven and Chopin, with graduation confirmed, May 11, 1953.
It was during Mitchell’s years at Alabama State College for Negroes that he met Martha L. Towns (the youngest of twin girls). Thus, after both completed their undergraduate studies and he completed his military service they were united in holy matrimony in 1955. During Mitchell’s college years he pledged, crossed and became as an Omega Psi Phi Fraternity member on May 5th 1950. The couple completed their graduate degrees in Colorado – his in music, theory and teaching, hers in mathematics and teaching. Returning to live in Alabama, the couple spent time in Hartselle and Birmingham, with Mitchell teaching at Rust College in Holly Springs, Mississippi as Music Instructor for the academic year 1958. The couple made a decision to relocate from Alabama in late 1963/early 1964 after having three lovely daughters: Sherea Angela, Edwina Penticia and Chequita. They initially settled in Cincinnati, Ohio, then moved to Detroit, Michigan. Once arriving in Detroit they quickly began participating in the community and practicing their disciplines. The family began attending Vernon Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church in what continues to be known as the Conant Gardens area. Mitchell became the church organist, and soon was appointed as Minister of Music. At Vernon Chapel A.M.E. he served nearly 25 years alongside Reverend Joseph Brockington insuring a high quality of music, piano as well as organ performances each Sunday and church concerts. Likewise, he helped establish a church band for youth and teenage members which encompassed many instruments, with some continuing to play well into their adult lives. Martha (known as Dillie) insured the girls faithfully attended church, participating in youth activities, the youth band as each was required to learn piano and then select an instrument, while simultaneously sewing matching dresses for the girls. Mitchell and Martha continued their support of civil rights needs as Martha who initially began taught at Detroit’s Central High School accepted a teaching assignment at Edwin Denby High School also in Detroit. Thus she became one of the first three African-American teachers at Denby, and one of the first African-American female math teachers. It was also during this time their college classmate Thomas Nance began teaching alongside Martha in Denby’s Math Department. Mitchell began a long career working for Mutual of Omaha Insurance Company alongside other African-American males. His awards included “The Century Club Award” in 1978 for completion of advanced insurance seminars and exceeding sales of $100K as well as excelling in the Builders Club Points within less than 4 months. Mitchell remained with the company and in 1985 was honored by qualifying within one year for the Honors Club designation, thus having received 4 high performing awards while simultaneously teaching music lessons and continuing to hold dual employment positions.
Mitchell raised his family in Detroit, and accepting the business spirit of his parents established McKenzie Music Center. These endeavors began extensive years of teaching personal music lessons to an untold number of children, adults and full families for the next 30+ years in the Detroit-Metropolitan area. The prime loves of Mitchell’s life was Dillie, his family, the piano, organ and music; preparing the church choir for Easter Cantata and working with Vernon’s Men’s Choir; the extension of Bynum/McKenzie/Towns family and horses. He also relished practicing for concerts with his lifelong musicians and those careers he helped launch on a musical path. A lifelong outdoorsman he could work endless hours before coming inside to rest.
Edward Mitchell McKenzie was surpassed in death by his wife, mother and father. He is survived by his children, sons-in-law, daughter-in law and grandchildren: daughter Sherea Angela McKenzie Poston, Carl C. Poston III, (son-in-law); grandchildren Carl C. Poston, IV, Kirkland McKenzie Poston and Madison McKenzie Poston of Houston, Texas; Edwina Penticia McKenzie-Madison and Ahmod Madison (son-in-law) of West Bloomfield, Michigan; M. Chequita McKenzie-Bennett and John K. Bennett (son-in-law) of Detroit, Michigan; grandson William E. McKenzie (son of Edwina) and Angelina (Nina) Chihambakwe-McKenzie (daughter-in-law); soon to be born great-grand daughter to William and Nina both currently residing in Libreville, Gabon (Africa). Mitchell is also survived by a host of beloved cousins, nieces, nephews; relatives in many areas of the United States, countless musician colleagues and friends.
