Mrs. Margaret Ann "Lacy" McKinney

Margaret Ann "Lacy" McKinney, age 75 of Jackson, Tennessee, passed away on April 24, 2025, at West Tennessee Healthcare in Jackson, Tennessee. Born May 27, 1949, she was the daughter of the late James Cole and Annie Mae (Hopgood) Cole.
In her youth, she enjoyed growing up in Madison County, where she developed lifelong friendships. She was never a pushover, and in her youth, she would fight if necessary-not girls, boys! At Merry High School, Lacy was an active student and graduated with the Class of 1968. Her early years shaped her into a hard-working and compassionate woman who valued family, community and friendship.
Shortly after high school, Lacy met her future husband, Joseph McKinney, at the American Legion, where he was playing a gig. They fell in love and were married on September 10, 1971. Over the years, Lacy and Joseph built a loving life together. Starting with children. She had a son, Reginald Cole, in 1967 and in 1971, Jerald in 1972, and she had another son, Marcus McKinney. Their marriage spanned more than five decades, marked by shared laughter and mutual respect in sickness and in health.
Lacy was a member of The Tabernacle of David, The House of Israel. Together, she and her husband were side by side, pillars in their community and support for each other.
Much of Lacy's life was devoted to a successful career in retail management. For thirty years she managed local convenience stores, earning a reputation for her strong work ethic and friendly service. She spent the first twenty years of her career at Texaco on Chester Street. From there, she then spent ten years at Mifflin General, continuing to manage store operations until her retirement. Being such an excellent cook, her customers wouldn't eat the food if she didn't cook it.
Outside of work, Lacy had many passions that brought her joy. She had a deep love for Little Debbie snack cakes. She also enjoyed shopping and had a keen eye for fashion-whether it was clothes, purses, tennis shoes or hats, she delighted in finding the perfect accessory.
In addition to her love of shopping, Lacy treasured her time outdoors. She could be found cutting her grass with her beloved personal push mower. Mowing the lawn brought a sense of pride to her home.
Not one to bite her tongue or sugar coat anything-if she had something to tell you, she was going to tell you and that went for anybody! She might have "looked" mean, but once you got to know her, she was a loving and giving person.
She is preceded in death by her brother, James Alvin Cole, sisters: Gertie Marie Cole and Leona Robertson; her children Jerry L. McKinney, Jerald J. McKinney and Joseph W, McKinney; a daughter-in-law, Yvette McKinney and a sister-in-law, Dorothy Williams.
She leaves to cherish her precious memories her husband of 54 years, Joseph McKinney, sons: Reginald Cole (Tammy), Marcus McKinney (Tara); sisters: Meron Mayo (Bruce) and Jaqueline Cole; In-laws: Servelliar Gillispie (Sam), Lavadious McKinney, Audrey L. Walker (Arthur), Travis McKinney (Annie), Billie Joe McKinney (Gloria), Betty Joe Clay (Benard), Michelle Love (Victor) and Ron McKinney; grandchildren: Marquis McKinney, JaMarcus McKinney (Chelsay), JaRico Mckinney (Antonella); Markita Herron (Roy), Jeremy Mount, Maurica Cole, Aleira Harrison, Destiny Harrison, Destion Harrison, Dionna Estes; great grandchildren: Corey McKinney, Ja'Zah McKinney, Za'caria McKinney, JaMari McKinney, Eli McKinney, Auri McKinney, Maddie Cole, Tehya Mount, Rylan Herron, Josiah Cole; a special cousin, Madelyn "Bookie", a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends, very special friends, Lee and Sarah Freeman, Sr.
We will miss our wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin and friend, but the strength that she poured into us will get us through.