Carolyn (Lansing) Mckinley

Ms. Carolyn McKinley of Lansing, Michigan passed away Thursday, November 20, 2014 at McLaren Greater Lansing Hospital. Age 75 years. She was born September 18, 1939 in Middletown, Ohio to James and Anna Mills.
Carolyn relocated with her family to Grand Rapids, Michigan where she attended school. She was a 1957 graduate of Ottawa Hills High School. At an early age Carolyn accepted Christ and joined New Hope Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor John V. Williams. On May 10, 1967 she married Williams Mathews and from this union a daughter, Leatha Ann was born. In 1970 they moved to Lansing, Michigan. Carolyn worked various jobs. She was employed with Ingham County Extended Care and in 1972 she began employment with Oldsmobile. Carolyn retired after 33 years of faithful service. She met Douglas Blankenburg and after a short engagement they married on September 20, 1974. From this union they were blessed with two handsome sons, James and Aaron Blankenburg. On May 20, 1993 she married R.C. McKinley. He preceded her in death in 1997.
Carolyn joined Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church in 1982 under the leadership of Pastor Arcelius Flannigan. Carolyn served in several ministries: Health, Helping Hands, Season Saint Choir and the Singles Ministry. She helped in any way she could. Carolyn was truly a church member who loved her church. She was a member of Elks Capitol City Temple #308 where she was D.T. Ruler for the Western Michigan District. Her presence will be missed by all who knew and loved her.
She leaves to cherish her memory three daughters, Leatha Mathews of Lansing, Michigan, Val (Charles) Littlejohn of Kansas City, Missouri and Bonnie Carter of Grand Rapids, Michigan; two sons, Jimmy (Crissa) Blankenburg and Aaron (Twanna) Blankenburg both of Lansing, Michigan; twenty-three grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; many other relatives and friends.
Preceding her in death are her parents, Anna and James Mills, grandmother, Georgia Randolph, sister, Violet Mills, aunt, Doris Leak and two grandchildren.
We would like to thank everyone for their prayers and support, along with your expressions of kindness extended to us during our time of bereavement. Your prayers, words of encouragement, heartfelt sympathy, telephone calls, cards, floral arrangements, visits and all other acts of kindness have brought strength and comfort. A special thanks to her niece Sherry and the Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church deacons for the support given to us.
Family Hour: Friday, November 28, 2014 - 11:00 a.m. until time of service
Pilgram Rest Baptist Church
5200 Pleasant Grove Road
Lansing, Michigan 48911
517-882-8012
Celebration of Life: Friday, November 28, 2014 - 12:00pm
Pilgram Rest Baptist Church
5200 Pleasant Grove Road
Lansing, Michigan 48911
517-882-8012
Officiating: Pastor Walter Gibson
Interment: Evergreen Cemetery