Helen King McKinney

Born on January 31, 1927, in Poplar Creek, Mississippi, “Lala” lived 99+ years full of love and blessing to friends, and family, especially her three children, nine grandchildren, and eighteen great-grandchildren. Along the way she served twenty-one years as a missionary in Honduras with her physician husband who established a mission hospital. She became fluent in Spanish as she ministered to many Sunday schools, children’s Bible school, women’s Bible studies, and planted a church. Helen was beloved by her many Honduran friends. She continued her discipling Bible studies for 50+ years on her return to the USA and is remembered by her many students.

Helen was a long-time member of Cedar Springs Presbyterian Church where she was active in Sunday School and the foreign missions program, working with international students, circle, discipleship, and women’s ministries. In addition to her church activities, she enjoyed a cup of coffee with friends, hiking in the Smokies, working in her wildflower garden, and watching the songbirds on her bird feeders. Helen is especially loved and appreciated by all who know her as a woman of prayer.

She is predeceased by her parents, Sue Ware King and William Edward King, six brothers and sisters, and her husband Marion "Mac" McKinney.

She will be missed by her daughter Suzanne (Burr) Hughes of Memphis, daughter Elizabeth (Dan) Anderson of Knoxville, and her son Jim (Jan) McKinney of Knoxville, along with her grandchildren, great grandchildren, and many beloved nieces and nephews.

The family would like to give a special thanks to UT Hospice and all the wonderful folks at Morning Point. Knoxville for their kind and compassionate care. We love you folks.

Arrangements will be through Berry Highland Memorial. There will be a private graveside with a memorial service at Cedar Springs Presbyterian Church on Monday, September 14, 2026 at 12:00pm with receiving of friends to follow.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Cedar Springs Presbyterian Church Global Missions fund. (cspc.net/give and select Global Missions.)