Obituary of Betty Jane Lessley McKenzie

Betty Jane Lessley McKenzie died Thursday, Jan. 14, 2021, following a months-long battle with what was first diagnosed as pneumonia Sept. 5 and changed to stage 4 lung cancer on Nov. 19.

She died peacefully at home surrounded by her husband Jay G. McKenzie, their daughter Kimberly, son Jay II, and a Hospice nurse.

They held her hands and spoke encouraging words to her for several hours before she died at 1:23 p.m. Betty Jane was laid to rest Thursday, Jan. 21, in Highlands Memorial Park in Ocala, as per her wishes. There was no immediate service because of the ongoing pandemic. A celebration of Betty’s life will be scheduled later when we can gather together safely.

Survivors are: husband of 55 plus years, Jay G. McKenzie, daughter Kimberly J. McKenzie Tressler, son Jay G. McKenzie II, grandson Daniel A. Tressler III and Godson Juan Carlos Foster. She was predeceased by her sister Melodie Ann Lessley Jennings. She had many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Betty Jane was born Sept. 3, 1944, in Oak Ridge, Tennessee to Robert Floyd Lessley and Mildred H. Bryson Lessley. Her father was an honored employee of the Manhattan Project, builder of the first atomic bombs. Her mother was a descendent of the founders of Bryson City, in western North Carolina.

Betty moved to Ocala as an infant and attended many schools here. She was a graduate of Ocala High School Class of 1962, “The best class ever.” She and her husband were very active in class functions.

She was a successful local businesswoman, who owned and operated a photography business from 1973 until partially retiring in 2001 -- that same year her husband retired as the managing editor of the Ocala Star Banner.

Betty and Jay started two endowed scholarships at the College of Central Florida, one in Jay’s brother’s name, Van F. McKenzie and one for their beloved friend James W. Waldron. They also started a book scholarship in Eugene Foster’s name. Jay also has an endowed scholarship at the college started in his name by The New York Times as a retirement gift. Those scholarships have helped many pursue higher education dreams.

The McKenzie family praises Hospice of Marion County for their help and guidance during their difficult time. You can send a donation to Hospice in Betty’s name, or just do a kind deed for someone in her name.

The family also would like to thank everyone for their caring thoughts and prayers. Everyone has made this journey more bearable than doing it alone.

Condolences may be sent to P.O. Box 234, Ocala, FL 34478.

 

 

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