Jaye Allen McKenery

Jaye A. McKenery 1935-2019 A Celebration of Life is scheduled for Friday, February 8 at 1:00 PM at The Woodlands United Methodist Church, with a Reception following the service. Jaye Allen McKenery went to be with the Lord on January 16, 2019. He spent his last days surrounded by his loving family. Jaye was born on July 15, 1935 in McKeesport, Pennsylvania. Jaye is preceded in death by his parents, Charles McKenery and Ellen McKenery Holton, his wife of 64 years, Fay W. McKenery, son, Paul A. McKenery, sister, Carol McKenery Bartifay, and brothers Donald McKenery and Robert Holton. He is survived by his son David J. McKenery, daughter-in-law Lolly McKenery and grandchildren Laura A. McKenery, David J. McKenery II and Michael J. McKenery. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews. Jaye was blessed to meet the love of his life, Fay, in kindergarten. He didn’t know it then but once they entered high school, they became inseparable. They were both very active in the band where Fay was 1st chair alto sax and Jaye was second chair. However, he would always emphasize that he had to play any alto sax solos as Fay would get nervous. Fay was also a very capable organist and pianist and encouraged Jaye to pursue his interest in singing. Jaye continued his studies in music and business earning his degree from The University of Pittsburgh. Jaye and Fay McKenery were married in August 1953 and were blessed with 64 years of marriage. After getting married Jaye became the choral director at Duquesne Methodist Church and Fay, the organist. They later led the music ministries of Immanuel Presbyterian Church in McKeesport, PA and Jaye also served as a cantor for Temple B’nai Israel of McKeesport. Jaye was also active in heavy industry working for Mesta Machine Company in Homestead, PA. Jaye completed the 4 year apprenticeship and became a journeyman machinist. He eventually became the lead inspector at Mesta before being transferred to Houston. In 1972 Mesta built a new steel mill plant for U.S. Steel in Baytown, TX and purchased Forsyth Engineering and Machine Corporation to provide engineering and mechanical services to their new installation. Jaye came to Houston to manage Forsyth and eventually became President and CEO. He and Fay also remained active in music ministry. They developed the music ministry at Northwoods Presbyterian Church and then Spring Woods United Methodist Church, where they remained active for 25 years. Jay and Faye assisted in developing a very successful traditional church music program for children and adults. In the later years, their son David joined them as organist at Spring Woods. In addition to his service to the church and his industry contributions, Jaye was a 62 year Mason and Shriner. After retiring, Jaye remained active working with the Shriner’s Burns Hospital for Children, where he coordinated camping trips and other events for the kids. He was also very active with Houston Northwest Assistance Ministries and was very generous to many charitable causes. Jaye’s greatest blessing was his family. He was always so proud of his grandchildren and enjoyed the holidays when they would all get together. Jaye will be remembered as a loving and caring father and grandfather who loved serving God and others. There will be a service to celebrate the life of Jaye in several weeks at The Woodlands United Methodist Church. You are invited to email dmckenery@twumc.org for information about the service. You are also invited to leave a written condolence at www.shmfh.com.

Jaye Allen McKenery

July 15, 1935 - January 16, 2019