Ms. Gracie Mae McKinney

Mrs. Gracie Mae McKinney was born Wednesday September 25, 1946 to Olivia Wiggins and J. D. Stevenson in Memphis, Tennessee. As a child, Gracie and her siblings (Rebbie, Lula, Willie Lee, Willie Frank attended elementary school in Memphis. Her father migrated to Milwaukee, WI. Many of his family members followed. Gracie came up during in interesting time in America. Minimum wage was 75 per hour, a gallon of milk was $.70, a gallon of gas was $.15, a loaf of bread was ~O, a new car was $1,125.00, and a new house was $5,600.00. The cold war had just begun and so was the dawn of the civil rights movement Instead of being offered brighter futures, Gracie's graduating class was given pamphlets to work as maidservants in the State of California. Gracie said no and had a hunger for more of what she saw as a fulfilling lifestyle professionally. She too headed north to be with her father, her absolutely loving Step-Mother Mrs. Jennie Stevenson, and siblings (Tommie, Furtis, Darphelia, William, Michael, Jerome, Kevin, and Monica). She attended the Milwaukee Institute of Technology (now known as the Milwaukee Area Technical College) where she received her diploma in 1967. Gracie received Christ as her Lord and Savior. She dedicated her life to God's purpose. She attended Bethel Baptist Church located at 2030 West North Ave. in Milwaukee where she was the treasurer, participated in the choir, and served as an usher for quite some time. During her tenure at MIT, Gracie met the love of her life in 1966. A muscular football jock named Mr. Thomas McKinney.. Standing at 5' 11" weighing in at 170 pounds approached her at a locker. He was awfully romantic and was determined to show Gracie that she was the object of his affection. In fact, the first thing he said to her was "Hey, when are you going to take me out on a date?" Dismayed and with a facial expression to prove it she replied, "you're supposed to be the one taking me out! 'So, to make amends, Tom bought Gracie lunch. First came love, then came marriage on Saturday June 29, 1968, and then came Turtle in a baby carriage. Rewind! Do you remember respect yourself by the Staples Singers, what's going on by Marvin Gaye or how about I don't want nobody to give me nothing by James Brown? These songs and many more were the catalyst and bridge to bringing much needed attention to the human rights of African Americans. Gracie was very interested in the civil rights movement. For 200 consecutive days from August 1967 to March 1968, local civil rights activists including Father Groppi protested racial discrimination in housing in marches across the city. The March on Milwaukee contributed to the national fight for civil rights for African-Americans and to passage of the federal Fair Housing Act in 1968. Gracie participated because she wanted to be the change in the world she wanted to see. Gracie was also interested in the medical field. She became a Certified Nursing Assistant, went back to school at M.A.T.C and obtained a degree as a Renal Dialysis Technician. She was a writer for the school's newspaper and really enjoyed seeing her work be published. In her union with Tom, she gave birth to Thomas'Turtle' McKinney Jr; the twins Christopher and Clifton, Carmen, Kerrie, THAT'S SIX, THE NUMBER 6, SEIS IN SPANISH, A BRADY BUNCH! Gracie was a doting mother. She was a Boy Scout den mother for her boys, got her girls involved in Girl Scouts, and attended/participated in family fun nights at schools. She was always in the rooting for her children whether it be for a softball game, football game, track & or the performing arts! Her best was more than good relationships with each of her children, was reasonable, matched the crime, and most of all she gave her children the grace of building of their own. Gracie emphasized that her children be educated. Because of this, all six of her children have a college level of education and utilize their talents to help others. Gracie was also a business owner of a Day Care. She cared for soooo many children. There are many honorary McKinney children' today. She created a place called home. She was home. She was a reason. She was solaoe, She was grace. She was Gracie. She was dearly loved by her in-loves (aka in-laws), aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. At any given day, you would smell a good home cooked meal emanating from her kitchen. It was love in her cooking. You felt better after a plate warm conversation with Gracie Mae. Gracie enjoyed listening to gospel music. gardening, bowling, fishing, sewing, exercising with one of her best friend's (really a sister) Mrs. Joanne Smith, talking with all of her good friends over the phone, and 'sitting them down' as she called it when dancing to her favorite tunes. Gracie loved each and every one of her grandchildren: Qadry, Randy, Tanana, Tyree, Kendall, Camille, Kbylee, and Noah. They held a special place in her heart and there was nothing she wouldn't do for them. Gracie united with the World Outreach Center under the pastoral care of Pastors Ervin and Melva Henderson towards the end of her natural life. She truly enjoyed prayer each morning and grew lasting friendships as well. Gracie entered into the presence of the Lord shortly after celebrating her 74th birthday on Thursday October 1, 2020. She was surrounded by her loving family including her husband of 52 years. - Amen

Ms. Gracie Mae McKinney

September 25, 1946 - October 1, 2020