OBITUARIES

Geraldine Thomas McKenzie 75, a life-long resident of Poughkeepsie, NY transitioned into eternal rest at home, surrounded by family on June 24, 2024.

Deaconess Dr. Geraldine Thomas McKenzie, affectionately known as "Gerry" to family and friends, was born and raised in the city of Poughkeepsie, NY, and is the daughter of the late Bertha May Thomas and Gerald Anderson.

Dr. McKenzie was employed at Hudson River Psychiatric Center (HRPC) for more than thirty years as a Mental Health Therapy Aide and Rehab Assistant, retiring in the year 2010. In addition, she continued to work in the community through work at the HRPC
Crisis Residence as a crisis helpline operator, as shared staff with Dutchess County Mental Hygiene, as well as serving in the capacity of Community Liaison and Teachers Aide in the Poughkeepsie School District.

Dr. McKenzie was a supporter and also rendered services with Care Net Pregnancy Center, American Cancer Society, Battered Women's Program of Family Services, and American Heart Association and was a business partner with daughter Ondie James of
Majesty 6:33 Productions and Women on a Mission.

She attended Poughkeepsie city schools and Dutchess Community College. Geraldine also holds a Bachelor and Master of Theology Sacred Degree from The Savona V. Roberts Christian Education Academy in Poughkeepsie, NY (formerly known as the Community Bible Institute) where she also served as the Office Administrator, Head Registrar and Student Counselor and Bible School Instructor. Additionally, Geraldine
holds a Master's degree and Doctorate in Humanities from Sparrow Springs Bible College and Seminary of Gastonia, NC. She is an Academician of the Eastern
Theological Consortium, through Christ Theological Seminary, Yonkers NY.

Her memberships include Academician and a Fellow of the Consortium from Christ Theological Seminary - Faculty of Arts and Sciences in Yonkers, NY. She was also awarded a Humanitarian Award and Faithful Christian Service Award by this distinguished group.

Dr. McKenzie was also a recipient of the Lincoln Douglass Luncheon Award and received a Black Achievers Award, sponsored by the Beulah Baptist Church of Poughkeepsie, NY.

A woman of strong faith, Geraldine was a member and Christian educator at Beulah Baptist Church, under the covering of Rev. Jesse V. Bottoms, Jr. She was consecrated as a Deaconess in 1995 and was the servant leader of the Above Rubies Women's
Ministry for thirteen years and was President of the Victorious Overcomers Cancer Ministry. Geraldine received many awards and honors during her Christian Walk including but not limited to New Covenant Church of the Holy Spirit, Ministries of Beulah Baptist Church, honoree of the Poughkeepsie Neighborhood Club, Sportsman Cricket Club, and the Battered Women's Program

Geraldine was a woman of many gifts and talents as a business consultant, life coach, event planner, philanthropist, mentor, marriage and Christian counselor, avid reader, and writer, and her passion was teaching the Word of God. Her legacy will live on always.

Dr. McKenzie is survived by her loving husband of 44 years, Seaton A. McKenzie, Daughters: Ondie James (Ronald), Shellese Tucker (Batiste), Stacy McKenzie, Son: Seaton McKenzie, Jr. Brothers in law: Kelvin, Crafton, Orville, Victor, Jellicoe, Veron, Milton, Byron, Leford, Ralston, Courtney, Kingsley. Sisters-in-law: Verona, Avis, Sandra, Gloria, Jeane, Jackie, Corida, Sylvia, Dorian, Eldred, Janet, Gerda. Grandchildren:
Shamari, Ondasia, Elisha, Majestic, Sadaja, Manny, Zephaniah, Javani, Seatigha, Marcel. Great-grandchildren: Oriana, Saniyah, Elisha Jr, Victoria, Tra'von, Alaire.Godchildren: Clement Jr., Kristina, Colette, Tracey, Tyre, Tenesha, Tracey Malcolm,
Asmara, Prichelle, Urania. Nieces, nephews, and a host of beloved relatives, friends, and dedicated church family. She is predeceased by her daughter, Janelle S. McKenzie, and granddaughter Shanice James