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Reflections L ife’s R eflections

Our sweet mother, Ms. Shirley Mae McKinney, was born on September 17, 1939, to Hattie Lee and Percy McKinney, Sr., in Memphis, Tennessee. She was raised by her precious grandmother, Mary Beatrice Richmond Flynn Martin Stewart (all preceded her into eternity). She boldly and notably confessed her hope in Christ at an early age from a mourner’s bench at New Philadelphia Missionary Baptist Church in White Station under the leadership of the late Rev. B. T. Dumas. Mom proudly attended Melrose High School, where she boasted of being a high-stepping majorette and finished her educational achievements in 1958. After becoming of age, she joined as a member with her grandmother at the Union Valley Missionary Baptist Church, under the leadership of the late Rev. H. O. Kneeland, Jr. Finally, after prayerful contemplation and excitement, she united with Rev. Dr. Frank E. Ray and the New Salem Missionary Baptist Church family where she remained a faithful member of the Daughters of Salem, Mass Choir and Sunday School Class #3 until her health began to decline. Mother thoroughly enjoyed singing in the Mass Choir and the Daughters of Salem. She boasted on her Sunday School Teachers and all who were a part of Class #3. All who knew her knew that she always spoke well about the excellent teaching she received each time she attended class. Mother also loved singing her favorite songs with her choir, “One More Sunny Day” and “This Morning When I Rose.” She enjoyed traveling to guest churches in whatever colors and/or corsages that were chosen for the choir in support of her beloved Pastor.

Mother was a long-time employee of the Kemmons Wilson Companies. She was wellacquainted with the founder, Kemmons Wilson, his wife, and their children. She attended what was then Holiday City School of Hospitality, and Mr. Wilson appointed her as the Food and Beverage Director at the Holiday Inn – Midtown on McLean Boulevard. She worked very proudly there and supported her family. She met so many friends and helped many countless others through her employment.

Our mother was richly gifted in the area of hospitality. She opened her home to many who were in need, and for so many others, she welcomed them to sit at her table to enjoy whatever she had with no questions asked. She was a stalwart in the community and believed it took a village to raise her children. She was actively involved at the schools where her children attended. She attended games and was a great cheerleader in the stands. The students and faculty knew her as a beautiful, supportive but firm parent that would get you together about her “chaps.”

Our mother leaves five children to cherish many fond memories of her well-lived life; Rev. Cathy Dianne McKinney, Jacqueline Lenise McKinney, Lawana Joyce McKinney Gross (James), Christopher Lynn Mattox, Martin Keith Mattox (Katrice); her siblings Joe Marcellus McKinney (Doris), Edward Earl McKinney (Alice), Maurice McKinney, Richard Allen McKinney (Fairy), Jimmy Gray (Khristie), Myles McKinney (Elaine) Frances Barber and Virginia Edwina McKinney; her brother Percy McKinney, Jr. (Evelyn) preceded her into eternity; seven grandchildren, thirteen great-grandchildren and a great host of nieces, nephews and cousins. She will be missed by her long-time friends Henrietta Farris (with whom she worked with for many years) and Shirley Crutcher (a part of her car and telephone ministry)!

The Celebration of Life

Saturday, April 16, 2022

12:00 Noon

New Salem Missionary Baptist Church

2231 S. Parkway East

Memphis, Tennessee 38114

Reverend Dr. Frank E. Ray, Sr., Pastor

Bishop Zedric Clayton ~ Interment Officiant Olivet Fellowship Baptist Church

Processional.............................................................................Clergy & The Family

Scipture Readings:

Old Testament.................................................................Rev. Augusta Fisher

New Salem Missionary Baptist Church

New Testament....................................................................Rev. Issac Malone

New Salem Missionary Baptist Church

Prayer of Comfort.......................................................................Rev. Rodney Herron

St. James Missionary Baptist Church

Musical Selection................................................The Daughters of New Salem Choir “This Morning When I Rose”

Words of Comfort.......................................................................Rev. Reginald Taylor The Rock Church, Horn Lake, MS

Reflections

(Respectfully, Three Minutes Please)

Rev. Dr. Christopher Bounds - Neighbor & Family Friend

Mrs Frankie Gregory - Melrose High School Alumni

Mrs. Ruby Lee - NSMBC Class #3

Mr. James Pope - NSMBC Minster of Music

Resolution & Acknowledgements.........................................................Ms. Terry Bell

New Salem Missionary Baptist Church

Musical Selection...............................................The Daughters of New Salem Choir “One More Sunny Day”

Eulogy....................................................................................Rev. Dr. Frank E. Ray, Sr.

Recessional

~Acknowledgements ~

We are ever so grateful for the richness of our mother’s life, the kindness of her heart and the love of all of her friends! It is during times like these, when we realize how much family and friends mean to us. Your kind expressions of friendship, sympathy, thoughtfulness, and prayers will always be remembered. A special thank you to all who picked her up for church and to others who brought her safely home! Your calls, cards, hugs, and expressions of love have not gone unnoticed. Thank you, thank you, thank you! As our mother would tell us, “I pray for you, you pray for me, and we’ll watch God change things!” Special thanks you: Rev. Dr. Frank E. Ray, Sr., New Salem Church Family, Ms. Brenda Maclin (Caregiver), Dr. Thomas Motley, Jr., Ms. Elicia Neal, The Prayer Closet Ministry, Amedysis Hospice Care and Harrison’s Memorial Chapel, Inc.