Molly Anne McKenzie

Molly Anne McKenzie (January 12, 1970 - July 6, 2023)

With sad hearts comforted by wonderful memories of a beloved family member and friend, we announce the death of Molly Anne McKenzie (Taylors, SC), who passed away on July 6, 2023 at the age of 53.
Molly was born in Bristol, Tennessee to William (Bill) Taylor McKenzie and Joyce Taylor McKenzie. She was lovingly welcomed by her older sister Sallye McKenzie (Greg Hernandez).
A year later, after moving to Greenville SC, the real trouble started when her younger brother and best friend was born. Tazewell Taylor (Terra Hawkins) arrived a mere 13 months after Molly and a partnership unlike any other was formed. Nothing could stop Molly and Taz when they teamed up. They remained inseparable.
Molly attended Summit Drive Elementary, Northwood Middle and Wade Hampton High where she was a leader in student groups and represented South Carolina at the Model UN in New York. She graduated from Winthrop University where she was chapter president for Delta Zeta sorority. Soon after college, Molly pursued her passion of the culinary arts, a lifelong gift shared with thousands of people. Roles included restaurant management, nutrition and culinary oversight at a group home for children and a retirement home, and a catering business.
In 1997, Molly married Sean May (Tessa Porter) and they had two amazing kids, Morganne McKenzie and Henry Taylor. Molly later married James Gravely and they were blessed with Lilian Grace. Molly loved being a mom. The pride she had when discussing her kids was always easy to see. She loved being involved in the kids lives, volunteering at school, church and in the community. She was PTA President at Sterling School and was a Girl Scout leader for 8 years. To overhear Molly discuss her children was to hear someone who just loved her kids for who they were and wanted to support them as best as she could.
In 2000, Molly and Taz opened McKenzie’s Catering/Taz and Molly’s Lunchbox across from Wade Hampton High. Like her father, whom she affectionately called B and whom she absolutely adored, Molly was creativity in human form. It just emanated from her. She could take the most humble ingredients and make a meal worthy of a Michelin star.
Molly was a member of Lee Road United Methodist church and was a leader of the youth group for many years. She loved working with teens and young adults and probably missed her calling as a teacher. She had a way of connecting with teens and young adults to help them see the best in themselves. For many years, she also led the youth on the weeklong Salkehatchie summer program, working in underserved communities to repair and rebuild houses.
Molly had an incredibly large and diverse circle of friends from high school, college and work. They raised kids together, traveled together but most of all loved and supported each other.
Molly opened her heart, and often her home to people. She never met a stranger and would often host friends and their children while they got on their feet. Her heart was as big as her laugh. You always knew when she was in the room.
Molly is survived by her adoring nieces and nephews, Garrett Taylor Hernandez of Pacifica, CA; McKenzie Rae Hernandez of Denver, CO, Nyna Monell McKenzie and Ella Taylor McKenzie, both of Taylors, SC.
Molly was unapologetically pro-choice, pro-LGBT+, feminist and pro-democracy. She would want us all to use our voices to defend a woman’s right to choose and to protect and advocate for at-risk gay and transgender youth.
Rest well, dear sister, daughter, mother, friend.
A memorial honoring Molly will be held Wednesday, July 12, 2023 at Lee Road United Methodist Church in Taylors, SC. Visitation with the family will start at 3 pm and the service will commence at 4 pm to be followed by a light dinner in the social hall.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Foundation of Suicide Prevention, Loaves and Fishes or Planned Parenthood.