Arelius B. McKenzie
Arelius Bernard McKenzie was born July 02, 1959 to the union of James A McKenzie and Sarah C. Walker-McKenzie in St Louis, MO. Arelius was the fifth born of five children. He was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents and great grandparents and three siblings; Leilani McKenzie-Young, Toni McKenzie-Harris, James McKenzie; Godmother, Ossie Bailey-Kersee.
Arelius accepted Christ as his personal Savior at an early age. He was very active in the church and served in many capacities at the Parrish Temple CME Church.
Arelius attended the St Louis Public Schools, St Louis Cathedral and Mercy High Schools. He was honored as an American High School Athlete from 1977 to 1978; he played Varsity Football and Varsity Basketball and excelled in both sports. He also attended the University of Missouri, Columbia. Arelius spent his career at United Parcel Service (UPS) as a Package Delivery Driver where he made life-long friendships.
Arelius was united in Holy Matrimony to Michelle Barnes in May of 1987 and to this union was born Chanel D McKenzie-Sims and Jorda’n J McKenzie. Arelius was a loving son, brother, uncle, husband, father, grandfather. He loved his entire family, always kept a smile on his face and never met a stranger.
Arelius McKenzie departed this life on April 05, 2021 at the Estates of Spanish Lake Nursing and Rehabilitation Facility.
He leaves to cherish his life, daughter, Chanel McKenzie-Sims (Mason), son, Jorda’n McKenzie, three beautiful grandchildren, Adrianna Sims, Matthew Sims and Quinci Sims. One brother, Daryl C McKenzie (Rhonda), cousins, nieces, nephews and a host of family and friends.
Acknowledgement
The family wishes to express appreciation for the many kind words of comfort, phone call and prayers. Special thank you to Sandi Shapiro, Beth Shapiro-Johnson and Care Manager, Sharon Gorman for being so diligent with concern for Arelius’ wellbeing and care.
Memorial
Due to CDC restrictions a celebration of his life will be held at a later date.
2 Timothy 4:7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith
This is such a beautiful memorial and I am so proud to have known Aurelius. I will never be called, “MOMA BEAR” again. Aurelius was a fun, loving and a warm humane being. He was always hanging around my husband in the Delmar Gardens Nursing Home and making sure he was treated “right”. We had all of our meals together and had many talks and laughing time together. My whole family loved Arelius.
I am so sad. You all are very nice to include my daughter and myself in this obituary….
This is a beautiful memorial of a life well lived. May God continue to live, comfort and pritect the family.
To look at that picture is to know Aurelius. Just welcoming and kind. The man never seemed to know a stranger. Proud to have known HIM for even a short time. You will be missed by all who knew you.????????
My prayers and condolences to the family of Arelius McKenzie. I remember growing up with him and his niece, Rhevonda Gamblin. We had such fun times together and he was always laughing and smiling. The video is a lovely tribute to his memory which will live on in the hearts of his family and friends. He will be missed by many but never forgotten. May he rest in power.