Judy McKinney

Judith G. McKinney, 78, died on February 9, 2026, three days after her birthday and on what would have been her 58th wedding anniversary with her husband, William (Bill) P. McKinney, Jr. She left this earth with all three of her children by her side.

Judy was born on February 6, 1948, and she met the love of her life, Bill, on September 8, 1967. They were engaged one week later and married on February 9, 1968. Bill, a Vietnam War veteran of the US Army, died on September 16, 1994. His absence shaped the rest of Judy’s life, but so did her determination to keep his memory alive. Through her stories, humor, and unwavering love, Bill remained present in their family. Though they never met him, their four grandchildren grew up talking about “Grandpa Bill” as if they knew him well.

Judy was the proud mother of three children: Donna Hodge and her husband, Dustin Hodge; William P. McKinney III (Mac) and his wife, Cindy, parents to Jack and Chloe; and Thomas McKinney and his wife, Julie, parents to Kathryn and Lily. She taught her children how to fight and how to love, often at the same time. They were her anchors, her confidants, and her constant companions through adulthood.

Her favorite role, and the one she claimed with the most pride, was being "Mimi" to her four grandchildren. She showed up for them fully, fiercely, and without hesitation, delighting in their lives and loving them with her whole heart.

A creative spirit and true free soul, Judy was an artist to her core. Through her studio, Studio 2211, and across decades of teaching, she influenced generations of students and future artists. She pushed people to trust their instincts, work honestly, and stay true to themselves. Her energy was unmistakably expressive, curious, and unapologetically her own.

Judy was the person who answered the phone at 2 a.m. She was the friend, sister, mother, and Mimi who showed up for anything you needed, without questions or conditions. She fought hard for what she believed was right, lived by her own rules, and was a survivor in every sense of the word.

One of eight children, Judy was the daughter of Thomas McClain and Kathryn (Mama Kay) McClain. She was predeceased by her parents and her brother, Pat. She is survived by her siblings Paula, Libby, Mike, Kathy, George, and Bobilynn, as well as many nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and great-nephews.

Judy’s enduring love for Bill, and the life they built together, continues through the Judith and Bill McKinney Scholarship Fund, established by their children at Fitchburg State University in Fitchburg, Massachusetts. The scholarship supports military and veteran students and their families, reflecting values of service, resilience, and care for others that defined both Judy and Bill.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 28, 2026 at 10 a.m. at East Funeral Home, 2807 Moores Lane in Texarkana, Texas. A private graveside service will follow.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites donations to the Bill and Judy McKinney Scholarship at Fitchburg State University. Scholarship link: http://fitchburgstate.edu/McKinney

Online tributes may be submitted to www.eastfuneralhome.com