Mrs. Rita Louise McKinney, 75, of Arlington, Texas, formerly of Centralia, Illinois passed away Monday, August 21, 2023, at Medical City Arlington Hospital in Arlington, Texas. She was born on March 27, 1948, the daughter of Cloruse and Helen (Worlds) Bradford in Centralia.
Survivors that will hold dear memories of Rita include her husband, Thomas E. McKinney of Arlington, Texas children, Velda Love (Larry) of Mansfield, Texas, Gaila McKinney Closson, and Quinita McKinney of Arlington, Texas; her brother, Jimmy Bradford of Centralia, IL; Grandchildren DeShyra and Jordan McKinney of Jackson, TN. Jocqui Closson of Fort Eustis, VA, and two great-grandchildren Harlem Williams and Jersee McKinney of Jackson, Tennessee.; 2 maternal uncles John Worlds of Centralia, Illinois, and Amos Worlds of Mount Vernon, IL. a sister-in-law Minnie Turner of Chicago, IL., a true lifetime friend of 60+ years Mrs. Abby Hill of Centralia, IL (and lastly a host of extended family and friends.)
Rita was preceded in death by her parents; her brothers, Mark Bradford, Steve Bradford, and Henry Spencer; a sister, Martha Bradford; and a daughter, Tanisha McKinney.
Rita loved helping others and was able to extend her compassion and friendliness to the grateful residents of Gateway Terrace before moving on to work at Bryan Manor, where she worked until retirement.
Rita didn’t meet any strangers. While living in Centralia her door was open to friends of her girls and anyone who stopped by to chat. After relocating to Texas, she became the proud mom of two fur babies, Cheeto and Sasha. They were her world and are missing her dearly.
A Celebration Of Life will be held at 12:00 p.m. Saturday, September 2, 2023, at the Irvin Macz Funeral Home in Centralia with Rev. Ronald Johnson officiating. Interment will follow at Elmwood Cemetery in Centralia. Friends and relatives are welcome to a visitation time from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service on Saturday at the funeral home.
Memorials may be made in Rita’s honor to the American Diabetes Association. Online condolences and memories of Rita may be shared with the family by visiting www.maczfuneralhomes.com and/or on the funeral home’s Facebook page.
