McKenzie Grace Baird, 17, of Wendover Lane in Roanoke Rapids, NC unexpectedly gained her wings on March 4, 2022.

Kenzie is survived by her father, Michael Baird, of the home; her mother, Jessica Tripp Thornton and her fiance’ Travis Kirkland, both of Monterey, CA; her brother, Waylon Thornton of Monterey; maternal grandparents, Debra Carlisle Harris and her fiance’ Lee Sledge, of Roanoke Rapids; paternal grandparents Thomas and Angela; maternal great-grandmother, Christine Tripp of Roanoke Rapids; great uncle, Clyde Baird, Jr. and wife Ellen, of Roanoke Rapids; great uncle, Kenny Carlisle and wife Judy, of Roanoke Rapids; uncle, Cody Baird of Roanoke Rapids; uncle, David Cooke and wife Angie, of Conway; several cousins; and her fiance’ Jerry Wayne Vowell of Roanoke Rapids, and their son, Jerry, Jr., who was the light of his mother’s life.

Kenzie was preceded in death by her great grandfather, Floyd Tripp; her great aunt, Camilla “Tippy” Babson; and paternal great-grandmother, Gladys Baird, all who lived in Roanoke Rapids.

She was a hard working and dedicated mother, and is well known as a server at Pino’s Italian Restaurant.  Kenzie was an accomplished dancer and athlete; a loving daughter, sister, granddaughter, niece and friend who touched the lives of countless people in her community.  She will forever be missed by everyone.

Friends may visit with the family from 7:00 – 9:00 pm Saturday evening at Hockaday Funeral and Cremation Service.

The funeral service for Mckenzie Baird will be held at 2:00 pm Sunday afternoon in the funeral home chapel, with interment to follow in Old Cedarwood Cemetery.  Minister Jason Yeatts will preside.

Condolences may be left on the online guest register at hockadayfs.com

The family remains grateful for all the support shown from the community, and we are very touched by the heartfelt love we have received.  In lieu of flowers, memorials of assistance may be made to Hockaday Funeral and Cremation Service.