Mother Earnestine McKinney

Mother Earnestine “Earnest” McKinney was a caring, daughter, cousin, friend, and Godly mother to many.  On July 1, 1947, she was born in Sylacauga, AL to her loving parents, Lola Bell McKinney and Tom McGee.  She was the apple of her mother’s eye.  

She was affectionately known by many as simply Earnestine.  Her formal education was obtained from Carver High School in Gadsden, AL in 1966.  In 1992, she obtained an Associate of Applied Science from Gadsden State Community College.  Her gift and number one endeavor was to become a beautician.  Her hands were used to press, many heads that were beautifully styled right in her home. 

Additionally, Earnestine loved spending time in the kitchen, creating delicious meals and cakes for her family, friends, church events, and those in need.  Her soft voice gave so much comfort and encouragement to others.  She was baptized in Jesus Name and received the Holy Ghost in the late 70’s at Byers Memorial Temple on South 16th Street.  Her mission continued as the church expanded to Greater Works Outreach Christian Center.  She was a faithful and supportive member to her late Pastor, Elder Hershel L. Byers until his demise in 2019.  However, she did not leave Greater Works, in 2020, Mother McKinney continued under the leadership of Apostle W.T. Traylor with the New Covenant Ministries of the World (NCMW).  When the NCMW purchased Greater Works she faithfully joined this ministry.  She loved Apostle and Mother Traylor and the saints as she was very active even when she did not always feel her best.  Her favorite song was “Running up the Kings Highway”.

She departed this life on Saturday, December 3, 2022, at the age of 75.

She is preceded in death by both parents and her favorite cousins, Glenda Hale and Willard D. Hart.

She is survived by her loving family of cousins and special friends.

Special Cousins, Larry (Jackie) Suttles, Jinhe, Erika and Sunny Suttles, Larry (Carmen) McKinney, Herman McKinney, Lorraine Hart and Mia Hart, Monique Hart, Sally Ruth Hale, and Lorine (Reese) Jordan; close cousins,  Fabian and Leslie Hale; godchildren, Kenneth Sullivan, Kevin Sullivan, and Karla Sullivan; loving friends,  Dean Usher, Betty Kirby, Bonnie Winfrey, Jackie Cattling, Barbara Faye Sullivan, Betty Kirby, Judy Holderfield, Mary Helen Billingsley, Valarie Byers, Janet Byers, Susan Garner, Barry Byers and Samuel Byers, Sr.; devoted neighbors, Ms. Peggy Wheeler, Ms. Bee Lindsey, and Mrs. Eva Noel. 

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