Lynda Jane Hargrove McKinley was born March 13, 1940, in Birmingham, Alabama to James Pressley and Lorena Stone Hargrove. She died peacefully in her sleep September 21, 2023, at Northview Care Center in Laurel, Mississippi. Lynda was surrounded by her family at the time of her passing.

Lynda grew up in Birmingham, Alabama with her brothers John and Jim Hargrove (both deceased). After graduating from Woodlawn High School, she attended Samford University in Birmingham. It was there that she met her husband Joel Henry McKinley (deceased). Joel and Lynda were married in Ruhama Baptist Church which is the oldest Southern Baptist church in the State of Alabama.

After Joel and Lynda moved to his hometown of Laurel, Lynda completed her bachelor's degree in education at the University of Southern Mississippi. Lynda earned her master's degree in education at William Carey College and her specialist's degree in education from Mississippi State University. Lynda taught at numerous schools over her career including Immaculate Conception, Gardiner Junior High, Mason Elementary, Myrick Elementary, and Nora Davis Magnet.

Lynda was a Sunday School teacher and Women's Missionary Union Director at Magnolia Street Baptist Church, Magnolia Baptist Church, and First Baptist Church of Laurel. She was active in various mission activities as well as in the senior adult choir at First Baptist Church. Lynda enjoyed traveling with the First Baptist Church senior adult group.

Lynda is survived by her sons Joel H. McKinley, II (Rebecca), Jonathan P. McKinley (Debbie), her daughter JoAnna V. McKinley, and her grandsons Joshua and Philip McKinley. Lynda was blessed with many special friendships while attending Magnolia Baptist Church and First Baptist Church. Lynda had a passion for teaching and impacted the lives of the children she taught throughout her career.

The visitation will be held at First Baptist Church of Laurel, Mississippi, September 24, 2023, from 1:00 to 3:00 with the funeral immediately following. John Helveston, D. Min. and Shannon Slover, M.A.C.E. will lead the service. Lynda will be interred at Hickory Grove Cemetery. Colonial Chapel Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Pallbearers will be Bubba Busby, Ken Butler, Ron Byrd, Chad Harris, Mike DeWitt, and Jonathan McKinley. Johnnie Ayres, John Nelson, and Lang Rogers will be honorary pallbearers.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Children's Ministry or Women's Missionary Union at First Baptist Church of Laurel, Mississippi.

An online guestbook may be signed at www.colonialchapellaurel.com