Mary Estelle Henley Mckinney

Mary "Estelle" (Henley) McKinney

Mary “Estelle” McKinney, age 89, took her final journey to her Heavenly Home to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on January 20, 2022. Estelle was born on August 31, 1932 in Marysville, Texas to Felix L.K. “Ken” and Mary Elizabeth Henley. She was the fifth child of eight and had three brothers and four sisters. She was raised on a farm in Texas and enjoyed sharing stories of milking cows, picking cotton, riding horses and caring for pigs and chickens. Her famous story was being chased by a bull in a field, escaping over a barbed wire fence that left a nice souvenir on her leg. She graduated from Valley View High School in Valley View, Texas in 1949, then took business courses and was offered a job at the Lone Star Gas Co. in Gainesville, Texas, where she met the “love of her life”, James McKinney. They were married on July 4th, 1952 and were married for 62 ½ years until James’ passing in 2015. Together they had three children, a daughter, Verbenda Ann (1954) and two sons, James Kelly (1957) and Gregory Neal (1962). James’ career paths took her to many new places to live – Colorado, Iowa, Illinois and Arkansas, where they made their retirement home in Holiday Island, Arkansas, near Eureka Springs.

Estelle was a loving, devoted daughter, wife, mother and grandmother. She gave of herself to family and friends any time there was a need. While living in Illinois she worked as a Client Services Representative for Illinois State Scholarship Commission for almost 25 years. She loved traveling our beautiful country and camping with her family during their growing-up years. She was a wonderful cook and baker – a family favorite was her “Oatmeal Crispy Cookies”, which she always had waiting in the cookie jar when we came to visit. She loved all types of needlework, particularly Primitive Wool Rug Hooking. Most of all she loved her relationship with the Lord Jesus and was always involved in activities and Bible Studies in their local church. During her retirement with James they traveled with their 5th-wheel camper to visit her grown children, family and friends and to volunteer with World Mission Builders throughout the U.S. to construct churches, chapels and cottages in orphanages. They loved their church family at First Christian Church of Eureka Springs where they made many wonderful friends.

When James passed away Estelle made the decision to move to Prescott, Arizona to be near her daughter and son-in-law. She had a beautiful assisted living apartment at Granite Gate Senior Living where she enjoyed many new friends and activities. She loved her Bible Study and group lunches at Granite Gate with Pastor Ron, so her daughter knew not to schedule anything on those days.

Estelle suffered with Alzheimer’s disease her last few years and due to its progression moved to the Margaret T. Morris Center in Prescott for her last eight months of life where they specialize in the care of Dementia/Alzheimer’s. She was lovingly cared for there until her passing. We are so grateful, thankful and blessed to have had the Margaret T. Morris and Maggie’s Hospice to care for our Mom during her final days.

Estelle is survived by her three children, Verbenda Harlow (Charles) of Prescott Valley, Arizona, Kelly McKinney (Denise) of Somonauk, Illinois and Greg McKinney of Bailey, Colorado and her seven grandchildren – Jennifer Harlow-Smith (Matt) of Newberg, Oregon, Lee McKinney (Jodi) of Dallas, Texas, Lynette Huml of Tulsa, Oklahoma, Andrew Harlow of Ventura, California, Mary and Declan McKinney of Somonauk, Illinois, Kellen McKinney of Bailey, Colorado, sister Margie Bishop (J.F.) of Seagoville, Texas, sister-in-law Nancy Henley of Cypress, Texas and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, James H. McKinney, parents Ken and Mary Henley and sisters Lola Mae McKinney, Roxie Hammons, Augustine Jones and brothers Louis, Chester and Kendrix Henley. Her final resting place will be beside her beloved husband James, in Tyson Cemetery in Valley View, Texas.

Memorial tributes in honor of Estelle McKinney may be made to:

*World Mission Builders/Church Growth Ministries
Church Growth Ministries
431 N. Oakwood Dr.
Enid, OK 73703-3711
(580-747-2550)

*First Christian Church of Eureka Springs
763 Passion Play Rd.
Eureka Springs, AR 72632
(479-253-8015)

*Samaritan’s Purse (International Relief)
P.O. Box 3000
Boone, NC 28607-3000
(828-262-1980)