Esther Diane McKenzie

March 20, 1952 - March 3, 2022

Our family is deeply saddened to announce the passing of Esther Diane Bessent McKenzie. After a short illness she went home to be with our Lord on March 3, 2022. Surrounded by her family, she passed away peacefully. Esther was born to Dorothy Lee Bessent & Harold Maxie Bessent on March 20, 1952, in Jacksonville, Florida. She was a resident of Jacksonville and a longtime employee of UF Health Shands. She grew up in Jacksonville and attended Paxon High School. Esther was a devout, loving member of Heavenly Heights church in Jacksonville. She often posted her love of Jesus on Facebook. Anyone who knew Esther knew that she was incredibly kindhearted and deeply loved her family. She is survived by her husband David McKenzie, daughter Kristy Brannan Hicks, son James Brannan, daughter in-law Stephanie Brannan as well as 2 grandchildren: Jenna Brannan and Silas Hicks, sister Kathy Rhoden and husband William, brother Steve Bessent and wife Roxanne, and several nieces and nephews, and mother-in-law Norma McKenzie. She is preceded in death by three sisters: Rhonda Bessent Schaedel, Gaynell Bessent Nolan and Karen Yvonne Bessent. Services will be held at Heavenly Heights Baptist Church on Monday, March 14th at 11am. She will be interred at Restlawn cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, feel free to donate to one of Esther’s favorite charities, the Jacksonville Humane Society (8464 Beach Blvd Jacksonville, FL 32216).