Essie McKenzie Lovely, age 86, of Fleetwood Lane, Morehead, Kentucky, passed away Monday, November 24, 2014, at her residence. Born August 27, 1928, in Montgomery County, she was a daughter of the late Carl and Eva Pitts McKenzie. One brother, Victor McKenzie, also preceded her in death. Essie's husband of 66 years, the Rev. Bernard 'Bernie' Lovely, Sr., whom she married November 22, 1947, passed away Monday, January 6, 2014. She is survived by two sons, Bernard F. Jr. (Sylvia Leach) Lovely of Lexington, Kentucky, Larry V. (Patricia L. Sergent) Lovely of Morehead, Kentucky; two daughters, Sandra Lovely (John) Carey of Lexington, Kentucky, and Lisa Gail Lovely of Morehead, Kentucky; 11 grandchildren, Ross, David, Eric, Lance, Holly, Caitlin, James, Madeline, Sara, Seth, and Samuel; 11 great grandchildren, Mara, Alisa, Abigail, Connor, Aidan, Noah, Haley, Simon, Mary, Jacob, and Lucas. In addition to being a loving and devoted wife to Bernie, she was his constant helpmate during his ministry in the Church of God for more than 50 years. Her unending love extended to her children and grandchildren, as well as the many youngsters she taught in preschool and Sunday school. Essie was also independent, funny, and feisty who always displayed her love of the Lord in humorous and serious situations. The example of her Christian life, since she and Bernie gave their lives to God on Palm Sunday in 1959, will endure for years to come. Funeral services will be conducted 2 p.m. Friday, November 28, 2014, at the Morehead First Church of God with the Rev. Lowell Rice, Rev. Allan Hutchinson, and Rev. Johnny Hatfield officiating. Burial will follow in Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens. Pallbearers will be Ross Lovely, David Lovely, Eric Lovely, Lance Lovely, Seth Richardson, Samuel Hargis, and James Carey. Visitation will be Friday from noon until 2 p.m. at the Morehead First Church of God, 576 Sunset Drive, Morehead. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the MSU Foundation, Inc., Leach-Lovely Scholarship Fund, Palmer Development House, Morehead, KY 40351. Arrangements for Mrs. Essie McKenzie Lovely are under the direction of Northcutt & Son Home for Funerals in Morehead. Visitation: Friday, November 28, 2014, noon until 2 p.m. Funeral: Friday, November 28, 2014, 2 p.m. Interment: Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens