Rebecca Ann Bednego McKenzie

Rebecca Ann Bednego McKenzie, was born on April 30, 1946 to the late Joel Bednego and Elsie Hill Bednego. She passed away peacefully at her daughter, Connie's residence, with her daughter, Crystal by her side and other family members close on December 10, 2024. She was 78 years old.

Rebecca was known for her warm heart, jolly and humble spirit, as well as a deep love for her family. She cherished watching movies, TV shows, game shows, and playing video games. She thoroughly enjoyed playing board games with loved ones and was an avid "gamer" long before the term originated!  She was always supportive of her grandchildren and their activities and was faithful to attend at least one performance of any theater play if her grandchildren were on stage. Often, attending more than one performance of the same show! She was also thrilled to see additional shows with family even if no relative was performing. As a young teenager, Rebecca developed a huge crush on Elvis Presley that never wavered throughout her life. She delighted in many genres of music and could twist across the floor and back again with a huge smile on her face. When singing, she happily belted out tunes! The beach was her happy place and she was especially fond of Carolina Beach. She loved traveling and had many adventures with her devoted husband, Billy Joe, and her beloved sister, Beverly. She cherished visits with her dear younger sister, Sharon. Rebecca, affectionately nicknamed Reba and often called Becky, greatly enjoyed dining out. Her favorite restaurants included Mexican cuisine, Cracker Barrel, Japanese food, and most recently, Cheddars.

Her devotion to her family is evident in the legacy she leaves behind. Rebecca is survived by her daughters, Connie Fox (Dan), Crystal Kirkland (Bo), and Rhonda Cherry (Hotrod). She also leaves behind stepchildren: Jerry McKenzie (Harriet), Carol McKenzie, and Billy McKenzie, her sister Sharon Ringgold (Al), and an adored group of 11 grandchildren: Sarah Sandoval (David), Daniel Fox (Tiffani), Taylor Kirkland (Mallory), Brandon Kirkland, Kody Kirkland, Casey Rhinehart (Skyler), Chloe Cherry, Noel Cherry, and step-grands: Lillian McKenzie, Josh McKenzie, Taylor McKenzie, and Kayla Kirkland (Jay). In addition, she will be fondly remembered by her 7 great-grandchildren: Lyla, Miller, Adelyne, Cason, Freedom, Forest, and Addi, as well as several nieces and nephews, including her special niece, Sherry Hudson (Eric).

Rebecca was preceded in death by her wonderful husband of 28 years, Billy Joe McKenzie. She was also preceded in death by her cherished son, Todd Altman; sisters, Sheila Dutton, Beverly Hudson, and Debra Reich; her grandson, Seth Fox; and her stepgrandson, Robert Cherry.

A visitation will be held in her honor on Sunday, January 12, 2025, from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM, followed by a Memorial Service at 3:00 PM officiated by Pastor Mike Glover at Benson Funeral & Cremation Services located at 101 Oak Grove St., Mt. Holly, NC 28120. The family will hold a private burial. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Carolina Caring Hospice/Robin Johnson House, 2240 Remount Rd, Gastonia, NC 28054.

In these moments, family and friends will come together to celebrate the remarkable life of Rebecca Ann Bednego McKenzie.