Carmel McLaurin-McKinney, 63, formerly of Tulsa, OK, passed away on Thursday, January 31, 2019.
Funeral Service celebrating her life: 2PM Friday, February 15, 2019 at Lake Shore Funeral Home Chapel.
She was born in Fresno, California on April 19, 1955 to the late James O’Neater McLaurin and Louise Hook (Peevey). Carmel grew up in Fresno California with her parents and 4 siblings, James McLaurin, Helen Broxton, O’Neater George, and Dale McLaurin. She graduated from high school in 1973 and was an active member in the Fresno High School band. Carmel had a love for bass clarinet and R&B music. She also had a love for tennis and would play and teach tennis classes. Carmel moved to Los Angeles and attended college. She married Floyd E. McKinney Sr in 1983. She began working for Bank of American and became their Assistant Branch Administration Officer in the mid-1980s. Carmel gave birth to two children while in Los Angeles. In 1986 her eldest daughter died, so Carmel and her family moved to Texas. Carmel subsequently gave up her banking career as a result of the move to Texas. Carmel has her last child in Corpus Christi TX in 1988.
In the late 1990’s Carmel was diagnosed with brain cancer. She fought for many years against cancer and many other illnesses. She remained strong in her faith and was motivated to continue living. During her walk-through illness, she was cared for by her mother, sister, family (Effie and Patricia Parker), lastly her children. Special thanks to Royal Manor staff and Providence Hospice staff.
Carmel never met a stranger. She made friends wherever she went, teaching them all to play Skip-Bo. She was good natured, always positive even in the darkest of times. She never gave up on wanting to get better and continue managing and caring for her family.
She was preceded in death by her father (James O. McLaurin), mother (Louise H. Peevey), brothers (Freddy and Dale McLaurin), sisters (Helen Broxton and Genieve McLaurin), grandparents (William O. McLaurin, Carrie B. McLaurin, Ralph Hook, Lottie Hook), great-nephew (Chazman Johnson), daughter (Alanna Helena McKinney), husband (Floyd E. McKinney), and other family members.
Carmel leaves to cherish her memories her son (Alonzo McKinney), daughter (Jamie McKinney), sister (O’Neater George), step-brother (Benny Peevey and his wife Monique Peevey), grandchildren (Alanna McKinney, Jayden McKinney, Cameron McKinney), nephews (David Johnson, Leon George II, Corwin George, Brandon McLaurin and his daughter Ameal McLaurin his wife and two sons), and many cousins and other family. Also, close friends; often mentioned, Brenda Ward, Debra Pagette, Keith Pagette, Belinda Williams, Veronica Williams, Sharon Fontanilla, Linda Fontanilla, Oralia and Isael Espoinoza.
Contact Information:
Lake Shore Funeral Home & Cremation Services
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Praying for your family. Blessings and Peace!!!
Dear family of Mrs McKinney. ..I am so sorry for your loss. ..I am a aide on night shift at Royal Manor and I would get her up every morning. ..she always wanted ger coffee and grahm crackers ..It’s funny..even when I knew she wasn’t feeling g.good. she would still ask about my family a and tell me to have a blessed day..Mrs McKinney I will miss our talks my friend. ..but I will see you again. …God Bless each of you. ..Sandra Dyer. .CNA
Jamie, Bruce and I are so sorry for your loss. Your parents must have been so proud of the woman you’ve become. Prayers for all of you.
Jamie and family I’m sorry for your loss. You all have our thoughts and prayers. May God give you comfort and understanding at this time. Laquisha Suarez and Family
To the family of Mrs McKinney. .I am so sorry for your loss. I work night shift at Royal Manor and I would get her up every morning …She had to have ger coffee and graham cracker. .lol…She was really special to me…she would call me at home we would talk about everything. ..even when sI knew she wasn’t feeling well..she would always ask about my family and tell me to have a blessed day….so Mrs McKinney my friend I will see you again..You will truly be missed.
What a privilege and honor it was to get to know Carmel. She was always a bright light in my day. She didn’t teach me Skip-bo, but i watched her teach many others. She had a strong and resilient faith and had a watchful eye for the needs of others. She was especially proud of her children and when asked what she wanted to pray for, her family was always first. She did keep striving to get better and even the last week of her life wanted prayer that she would be healed. She is now completely healed and whole. She has gone to her reward and is in the presence of her Savior, Jesus, and of her loved ones who have gone before her. She will be greatly missed, but leaves many precious memories for those of us who are left behind.
Please know that you will be in our thoughts and prayers in the coming weeks and months.
My Loving sister Carmel will always be in my heart. Well Family we have each other and will never stop thinking of the caring person that your mother was. God blessings be with you until we meet again.
To the family of Carmel McKinney, I am so sorry for your loss. I met Carmel at Los Angeles City College in 1973 . We then became roommates after attending college. Carmel was very caring and kind and had a strong faith. I lost touch for many years and then the last 5 or so years I located her and would talk to her throughout the years. To her children, your mom is at peace now. The family will be in my prayers. God bless you all.