Ether Mae McKinney

With heartfelt sympathy, we announce the earthly transition of Ether Mae McKinney, of Attalla, who traded her cross for a crown on Thursday, June 6, 2024, at the age of 96.  We ask that you keep her family in your thoughts and prayers during this time.

Ether Mae Pearson McKinney was born on April 12, 1928, in Kellyton, AL.  She was the 2nd of 12 children born to Rev. L. B. and Leola Pearson.   Ether was the oldest daughter and at an early age, she learned life’s responsibilities of being a woman by helping her mother raise her younger siblings.  

At an early age, Ether confessed her life to Christ as her Lord and Savior at the Phillipi Baptist Church.  She was baptized by her father.  She later served as the Sunday School Secretary at Phillipi for many years.  Upon moving to Attalla, AL, she continued her Christian service and moved her membership to Mount Calvary Baptist Church.  She served as 1st Chairperson of the Matron’s Circle, Church Secretary, Sunday School teacher, and was a member of the Senior Choir.  In addition to her service in the church, she ran an in-home Kindergarten and worked at JLW Daycare Center.  She lived a busy schedule of teaching, working, and leading her family.  

On April 24, 1946, Ether married the love of her life, Winston “Dank” McKinney, and of this union, 3 beautiful children were born.  

Ether McKinney departed this life on June 6, 2024, at the tender age of 96.  She was preceded in death by her husband, Winston “Dank” McKinney; parents, Rev. L.B. and Leola Pearson; her siblings, James W. Pearson, Bettie J. Irby, Walter C. Pearson, Virginia Robinson, Earlie L. Pearson, Callie L. Goggins, Bennie H. Pearson, and Melvin Pearson; her grandson, Bobby D. Bradford.

Her loving and devoted family will forever cherish Ether McKinney’s memory, her children: Mattie (Joe) McGhee, Henery (Ruth) McKinney, Carolyn (Bobby) Bradford; adopted son, William Pearson; her sisters, Mattie Gamble, Beatrice (Woody) Hunt; her brother, L.B. (Denise) Pearson Jr.;  her grandchildren, Brian Momon, Tyrone (Sue Ann) McKinney, Corey (Phaedra) Bradford, Tora (Sean) Spencer, Antionne McKinney,  Sheena (James) Jackson, Travoris Bradford, Bobby Bradford; great-grandchildren, Amber McKinney, Brianna McKinney, William Reeves, Chantelle McKinney, Clifton Gross, Seqouah Bradford, Baleigh Bradford, Amayia Bradford, Justin Bradford, and Caiden Bradford; great-great grandchildren, Kamora Bradford, Dakaria Reeves, Harlem Gross, and Nash Gross; special bonus daughters, Linda Harris, Yvette Williams, Nona Rogers, Rosalind Ransaw, and Natalie Bryant; special nephews, Walter Goggins, Donnell McKinney, and Donald Pearson, and a host of special loving nieces, nephews and other family members.  

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Ether Mae McKinney, please visit our floral store.