Mary McKinney Edwards

Dr. Mary McKinney Edwards passed away peacefully at 7 Lakes Memory Care the evening of Tuesday February 24th 2026 at the age of 76. Her passing comes at end of a long journey battling with Alzheimer’s over the last several years. She was comfortable and surrounded by so much love, care, and support.

Mary is preceded in death by her parents Dr. John McKinney Sr. and Ruth Adkisson McKinney, as well as her brother John McKinney Jr.

Mary is survived and lovingly remembered by her son Matthew Edwards.

Mary was born in El Dorado Arkansas on February 26th 1949. She grew up in El Dorado and graduated from El Dorado High School in 1967. Following that, she earned undergraduate degrees from Hollins College in Virginia and Louisiana Tech University. She had plans to go into medical illustration, but after working in a pulmonary research clinic she decided to pursue a medical degree. So, she was accepted into Louisiana State University’s School of Dentistry and graduated with a doctorate of dentistry in 1986. While she was attending LSU she lived in New Orleans and made many life-long friends.

Mary had many hobbies and interests, foremost a life-long passion for art. She was a fantastic painter but also excelled in pencil, charcoal, pastel, and even sculpture and engraving. Along with the arts she loved to be outdoors in nature and actively enjoying Colorado, The Rocky Mountains, and the surrounding western states. She spent many summers with friends and family camping, hiking, canoeing, kayaking, and road-tripping.

She fostered a life-long personal relationship with God and was a beacon of hope, healing, and growth. She actively engaged and led many church groups, Bible studies, and faith-based counseling communities. Her loved ones rest well knowing she is now free from mortal struggle and that her spirit is still with us, but also residing peacefully in Heaven.

A celebration of life will be held Saturday March 7th at 11:00, at Allnutt Funeral Home in Loveland, Colorado. In remembrance of Mary’s favorite color and her vibrant spirit any in attendance are encouraged to wear purple. Reverend Lee Anderson-Harris of First United Methodist will be officiating. She will be cremated and her ashes will be laid to rest at the McKinney family plot at Woodlawn Cemetery in El Dorado, Arkansas.

Mary’s family would like to recognize the thoughtful dedication, care, and friendship of her caregivers throughout her journey- Judy Graff, Judy Ott, the caregivers from Bristol Hospice, and all the staff at 7 Lakes Memory Care. Their support was indispensable and ever-present over the last years. The enrichment and love they have shown Mary cannot be understated, their support has always been felt and appreciated, now more than ever. In lieu of flowers, please send memorial donation to Alzheimer's Association, P.O. Box 96011, Washington, DC 20090-601, by phone 800-272-3900, or online at alz.org/get-involved-now/donate. Thanks!