Mariah Mckinney

On August 31, 1940 in the town of Troy, Alabama, William and Annie Lou McNeal gave birth to a beautiful daughter named Mariah.

In high school, Mariah played basketball for Academy Street High School in Troy, Alabama. She was a roving guard. There she also met James McKinney, whom she was married to for 61 years. They moved to Saginaw, Michigan and raised their family.

Mariah loved working with children and the church. She began working at Saginaw County Child Development in the mid 1970's, where she dedicated her life and met many wonderful friends. After more than twenty years of dedication and service she retired, but still enjoyed spending time with her former coworkers.

Mariah loved her work with the churches where she was a founding member, New Life Ministries in Saginaw, Michigan and Galilee Missionary Baptist Church in Defiance, Ohio. She was very dedicated and was the chairman of the usher board in both churches for many years. She loved spending most of her time with family and friends making them laugh and smile. Her most prominent joy came from gardening and fishing with her husband James and friends. Mariah also enjoyed family barbecues, relaxing and reading. Later in life, she developed a love for game shows, shopping and crossword puzzles. Her love and laughter will truly be missed. Love you Grandma.

Mariah was preceded in death by her son, James D. McKinney; parents, William and Annie Lou McNeal; siblings, Nonnie Lee, Mary Lou, William, Harris and Eddie Lee McNeal; grandparents, William and Mary Lou Coleman, Handy and Elizabeth Jackson; many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins.

She leaves a lifetime of memories with her loving husband of 61 years, James E. McKinney; son, Carlos R. McKinney; daughter, Sheena Y. Gallman, Haywood, California; grandchildren, Marcus (Kerry) Mayes, Livermore, California, Carlos McKinney, Baltimore, Maryland, James D. McKinney, West Virginia, Trent and Travis McKinney, Ohio, Siccola Warren, Maryland, Sahadah Davenport, Maryland, Derek and DeMarques Tory, Michigan; sister, Bertha Mae McBride, Houston, Texas; many nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.

The family would like to express our sincere gratitude and appreciation to our many family and friends for all their kindness and acts of love shown to us during this very difficult time. Special thanks to Ivan E. Phillips and the Staff of Paradise Funeral Chapel.

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