Mabel Moon McKinney, 84, went to be with the Lord on May 21, 2020, after a long battle with dementia.
Mabel is in heaven and not suffering any more. She always loved God’s creation – especially animals. She took in several stray dogs in her lifetime, and always made sure that she saved scraps for them. Mabel always told her family that she hopes that there is a special place in heaven for her to tend to the animals.
Mabel was born on July 13, 1935 in Meigs County, Tn., and was known as "The Indian Princess". She was very frugal, and made sure to find the best priced items on her grocery list. In the summertime she had a massive garden with tomatoes, squash, okra, corn, cantaloupe, and cucumbers. She always shared her vegetables with her family, and cooked meals for her family.
Mabel was a hard worker, and regular church attender. She was very involved in the children’s plays at church since her daughter Joy orchestrated them. She made several beautiful costumes, and helped create props. She retired from the United States Postal Service. After retirement she enjoyed taking care of her grandchildren, and attending their dance recitals.
Mabel will be missed by many. She was preceded in death by her husband, James Allen McKinney; parents, James Jacob Moon and Hattie Ethel Moon; brothers: James Jacob Moon, Jr., Harvey Lester Moon, John Austin Moon, Robert Lee Moon, Nathaniel Hawthorne Moon, and Walter Agnew Moon; sisters: Agatha Elizabeth Moon, Dorothy Moon Whitehead, Phyllis Moon Shelton, Margaret Moon Kelley, and Julia Moon Madix; and her son Harold Allen McKinney.
Survivors include her daughter, Joy McKinney Johns (Jeff Johns); 10 grandchildren, Jason McKinney (Lindy McKinney), Jennifer McKinney Garcia (Jonathan Garcia), Julie Johns Ross (Barry Ross), Jill Johns Redmon (Dennis Redmon), Jake Johns, Jared Johns, Jesse Johns, Joy Noele Johns Biggs (Nate Biggs), Jaime Johns, and Joshua Johns; nine great-grandchildren, Melissa McKinney, Chelsey McKinney, Jaylin McKinney, Austin Garcia, Alexis Garcia, Ethan Garcia, Logan Garcia, Hunter Ross and Colton Ross; and one great-great-grandchild Jaxson Ford.
Her daughter would like to add:
"I thank God for my awesome husband and children for helping me through it all. Mama, I know you are with Jesus. I know you are loving to see your mother, my daddy, and Harold. I will be there one day, too! I might not be a Christian today if it were not for you. Thank you for always being there to teach, love and support me. Thanks for being the best mama in the world to me! I love you so very much!"
A funeral was officiated by Brother Bo Fawbush at Donelson View Baptist Church in Nashville, on May 27, at 1 p.m.