Reverend Lillian Deloris Cole-Jeter-McKinney

I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course; I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing. 

2 Timothy 4:7-8 KJV

Reverend Lillian Deloris Cole-Jeter-McKinney, formerly of Saginaw, Michigan,  went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Thursday, December 25, 2024, from her home in Tupelo, Mississippi, at the age of 80 years. She was born on March 4, 1944, in Memphis, Tennessee, to Alonzo Lewis Cole and Magnolia Parks.

Lillian was a graduate of Saginaw High School, Class of 1962. She received an Associate of Arts degree from Itawamba Community College and studied Early Childhood Education at Michigan State University and Delta College. Lillian was employed by the Ministry of Social Development & Family Service, a government organization. Before moving to Tupelo, Mississippi, Lillian retired from the Saginaw Board of Education as a Social Worker. She received a Lifetime Achievement Award from United Brothers & Sisters. Reverend McKinney served as Pastor of Truth of God Ministry Church Without Walls in Tupelo, Mississippi. She will be greatly missed by her family, friends, and church family.

Reverend McKinney leaves to cherish loving memories, one daughter, Minister Carolynn Jeter of Phoenix, Arizona, and five sons: Pastor Arnel (Loretta) Cole, Tupelo, Mississippi, Minister Clifton (Lola) Cole, Artesia, Mississippi, Dr. Allen Wayne Jeter, Phoenix, Arizona, Ivan (Heather) McKinney, Gadsden, Alabama, and Armonte’ McKinney, Tupelo, Mississippi; grandchildren: Tamelka, April, Arneeshia (Marcus), Gregory, C. Tramaine (Sundrena), Channing (Crystal), Donquell, E.J., Damon, Marcus (M.J.) Crystal, Aaliyah, Mercedes, Antoinette (Toris), Diamond, Priest, Jersey, Aaron, and Michael; great-grandchildren: Nehemiah, Aubree, Kamora, Gregory Jr., Ka'Mir, Lisa, Serenity, Tramya, C. Tramaine Jr., Noviyah, Ariah, and many more. Reverend McKinney also leaves godchildren, Evangelist Andrea LaMar, Larenzo Pierson Sr., Gail Pruitt, Bennie Pruitt Jr., Fredrick Pruitt, and many other godchildren. She also leaves one devoted sister, Alcie “Bonnie” Wilson, eight nieces: Trina Howell (Smith), Tanya Bell, Mary Jackson, Stacy Howell, Janet Marie Cole, Tiffany Howell, Tarra Davis, Terrie Lynn Davis, and Sharla Wright; five nephews: Bernard Rogers, Dedrick and Edward Cole, Jeff Davis, and Lawrence Bell; one aunt, Drucilla Ivy, Shreveport, Louisiana, and a special friend of 60+ years, Joann Haulcy of Reno, Nevada.

 Reverend McKinney was preceded in death by her dad, Alonzo Lewis Cole; mother, Magnolia Howell, stepfather, Quincy Howell, daughter, Carol Lynette Cole (Jeter), grandparents, Lexie Wright and Clifford Parks; brothers, Stanley, Darrell, and Alvin Howell; sister, June Cole; nephews, Starr Howell and Stanley Howell Jr; and godson, Michael Balls.

The family would like to give special thanks to her daughter-in-love, Loretta Cole; her caregiver, Nicole Sanders, and Dr. Vernon Rayford, for the compassionate and loving care provided for Reverend McKinney during her illness. Special thanks also to North Mississippi Oncology Hospice, William Bailey and the Staff at Bailey Funeral Home, Okolona, Mississippi, Ivan E. Phillips and the Staff at Paradise Funeral Chapel.