Mary Edna West McKinney

Mary Edna West McKinney was born on August 21, 1933, in Charlotte, NC to the late McQueen and Louise Brooks Bradley. At the age of 91, she peacefully passed away on Friday, August 23, 2024, at Autumn Care of Cornelius Rehabilitation Center in Cornelius, NC. Mary Edna attended Myers Street Elementary and graduated from Second Ward High School in 1952. Following her graduation, she pursued further education in Stamford, Connecticut, where she earned an Associate Degree in Business Management. Mary Edna returned to Charlotte and worked various jobs before marrying her high school sweetheart, John “Drybone” West Jr., in 1954. The couple got married in Anchorage, Alaska, while John was serving in the U.S. Army. Their union was blessed with four children: Karla Juan (Ray Morgan), Donna Maria Cloud (James), Clark Ramon (Beverly), and Tanya West. Mary was preceded in death by her son, Clark West, and daughter, Karla Morgan. She was also preceded by her siblings: Magdalene Flemming, Queen Angerome, Phyllis Bradley, and Charles Bradley. She is survived by her sister, Shirley Tillman; brother, Ronnie Bradley; brother-in-law, Willie Flemming; Joe Angerome; and four sisters-in-law. After John graduated from J.C. Smith University, he accepted a teaching position in Siler City, NC, and the family later relocated to Greensboro, NC, where Mary worked at L. Richardson Hospital as a Nurse Assistant. She eventually retired from First Union National Bank after 23 years of dedicated service as a Data Entry Specialist. Mary Edna began her Christian journey at New Emmanuel Congregational Church in Charlotte and later became a devoted member of 15th Street Church of God, where she served faithfully in various roles. From an early age, her beautiful voice was recognized, and she pursued voice lessons for many years. She used her voice as a blessing to many, glorifying God with her talent and providing comfort and inspiration to those around her. Mary Edna had a deep love for her family, friends, and church community. She supported her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren with wise, God-filled guidance, often sacrificing her own needs to help others. Her love of reading allowed her to explore the world through books, and she found great joy in sewing and cooking, sharing her skills generously with those she loved. Mary Edna leaves behind seven grandchildren: Manuelo, Darius, Latoya, Adanta, Italia McKinney, Cameron Morgan, and Laquana, along with fourteen great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild. Many loving nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, and uncles. Her legacy of love, wisdom, and faith will continue to inspire those who were fortunate enough to know her.

Mary Edna West McKinney

September 21, 1933 - August 23, 2024