Mary Josephine McKinney

Mary Josephine McKinney, of Ocean Springs, MS, went to be with our Lord and Savior on Monday, October 30, 2023.

Mary was a full-blooded Hungarian Spit-fire who loved her friends and family deeply.  She was born and raised in Granite City, IL where she worked as a dental assistant off and on for 30 years, and served faithfully in her church. Upon moving to MS in 1991, she lost her first love of 37 years, Elvin Kendall, to cancer. Years later, God blessed her with another partner, William McKinney for 21 years. Her hobbies were serving in her church, at the VFW in Gautier, and spending time with her family and friends.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Joe and Mary Petras; sister, Peggy Seever; and brother, Don Petras.

She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Gail and John Shemwell; step-sons, David, Paul, and Jim McKinney; 7 grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Mary’s memory may be sent to VFW Post 2132 P.O. Box 1041 in Gautier, MS. 39553.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00am on Friday, November 3, 2023 at Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home, Ocean Springs, MS. Friends may visit one hour prior. Burial will follow at Crestlawn Memorial Park.

Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Homes is honored to serve the family of Mary McKinney.