Her Life,
Her Legacy,
Her Story

Verdell "Coot" McKenzie was born on Sunday, February 3rd, 1935, in Elba, Alabama to the late Robert Lena and Flossie Mae Vessell. She was the second oldest of three children all of whom preceded her in death, John Wesly Leander (1971) and Lucille Brown (2013). Verdell departed this life in peace on December 29, 2022.

Verdell was raised in Frostproof, Florida, and obtained her education at Everglades Vocational High School. She was an astute businesswoman and started her entrepreneurial journey in the hospitality industry at a young age. She owned several successful businesses in partnership with her late ex-husband Louis McKenzie, Sr. (2003). Verdell enjoyed fishing, spending time, and entertaining family and friends.