Margaret Esther (Braswell) McKinney

June 3, 1932 – December 18, 2017

Margaret Esther (Braswell) McKinney, age 85, passed away on Dec. 18, 2017 at Holy Family Hospital in Spokane, Wash., surrounded by her husband and daughters.

Margaret was born June 3, 1932 in Lancaster County, S.C. to the late Floyd and Grace Braswell. Margaret graduated from Indianland High School in 1949. She was an independent career girl, working as an office secretary in Charlotte, N.C., until she left to marry her husband, William M. McKinney, Jr on Aug. 5, 1962. Their wedding took place at the base chapel at Larson Air Force Base, Moses Lake, Wash. They moved to various parts of the country until her husband retired from the Air Force, and they then made their home in Moses Lake in 1973.

Margaret loved to sing hymns in church and she loved babies. She was the nursery Sunday school teacher for many years, and served faithfully at her church for over 45 years in many capacities. She most loved missions, giving of her time and money to people all over the world so they could hear about Jesus. But her family would tell you that her greatest joy was her grandchildren. She carried photos in her purse and would tell anyone and everyone about her grandchildren. From funny stories to sharing all their accomplishments, she wanted anyone who listened to know how proud she was of them and how much she loved them. All those who met her instinctively felt comforted by her soft southern voice, making them feel like long lost friends. Her loved ones knew her to be incredibly generous, loyal and kind. She loved to laugh, spend time in prayer and she read her Bible every day.

Left to honor Margaret and remember her love are her husband of 55 years William; her daughters Jeanne (Richard) and Julie (Shawn); her son John; her grandsons Joseph, William, John Jr. and Timothy and her granddaughters Katelyn (William), Allison, and Claire Elisabeth along with many nieces and nephews.

Margaret was preceded in death by her parents Floyd and Grace Braswell, her sister (Mary) Hershel Howe and two brothers (Kelly) Clayton Braswell and Oswald Braswell.

A memorial service celebrating the life of Margaret will be Saturday, Jan. 27, 2018 at 2 p.m. The service will be held at Emmanuel Baptist Church, 516 E. Nelson Rd. in Moses Lake, Wash., with Pastor Ron Stricklan officiating. The family requests in lieu of flowers that a memorial be made in her name to the Emmanuel Baptist Church mission’s fund.