Dr. Mary Jean McKinney

Born on Valentine’s Day, February 14, 1934, Dr. Mary Jean McKinney-Jones brought love into
the world from the very start. She came into this life as the daughter of Randle and Georgia
Brooks, a union that set the foundation for the woman enduringly called Mae Jean. Her journey
began in Pittsburg, Texas—the town that helped shape and raise her—as she set out to carve
her place and leave a lasting impression on the world. Rooted in church at a young age, she
accepted Christ at Franklin Street Church of Christ, where she faithfully served and remained a
devoted member until her passing.

Dr. McKinney-Jones was a lifelong learner who knew no limits. She graduated as salutatorian of
Douglass High School and, after marrying Lloyd McKinney Sr. on February 28, 1953, began
building a legacy that blended both family and ambition. After giving birth to five children, she
returned to school—proving that motherhood and determination could coexist.

While education was her passion, she was an entrepreneur at heart. She earned her
cosmetology license from Madame C.J. Walker College of Cosmetology in Dallas, Texas, and
opened her own beauty shop in Pittsburg. She also found joy in sewing—creating clothes with
her own hands as both a creative outlet and a way to serve her community. Before setting her
sights on higher education, her weekends were filled with fabric, needles, and care.

On weekends, she’d rise before the sun to make the long drives to grind toward her goals while
managing a full household. She eventually earned a bachelor’s degree in Mathematics and
Chemistry from Texas College, a Master of Science in Earth Science and Mathematics from East
Texas State University (East Texas A&M University), and a Ph.D. in Curriculum and
Instruction from Kansas State University. She became the woman we all address today as Dr. and
she did so all while maintaining a perfect 4.0 GPA. She held her students to high standards—
because she held herself to them first.

She was famously known as “The Chair”—both for her leadership and her commanding
presence—serving as chairperson on numerous boards and earning the respect of all who
encountered her. She didn’t just walk through doors—she held them open for others. As a
professor, she poured into generations of students with tough love, excellence, and grace. Her
classroom was a place of structure, curiosity, and growth. Students who showed up late were
greeted with her infamous line: “You too late for today and too early for tomorrow.” Her
standards were high, but so was her investment in every soul she taught.

While her résumé stretched across miles of degrees, institutions, and accolades, what made her
unforgettable was her ability to inspire. She was a force in her community, a guide in her family,
and a quiet giant in the field of education. When she traveled the world, she brought her
wisdom with her. When she came home, she brought peace. Even in rest, her legacy lives on—
in the lessons she taught, the lives she touched, and the love she gave so freely.
She later found love again and married Elmo Jones on July 6, 2002, continuing her journey with
grace and companionship.

She was preceded in death by her first husband of 44 years, Lloyd McKinney Sr.; her beloved
son, Mark McKinney; grandsons Jamal “JR” McKinney and Bruce McKinney II; her parents,
Randle Brooks Sr. and Georgia Brooks; her brother, Randle “RB” Brooks Jr.; and her second
husband of 15 years, Elmo Jones.

She leaves to cherish her memory her sons Lloyd McKinney Jr., Bruce and Marilyn McKinney Sr.,
and Kenneth McKinney; her daughter Deborah McKinney-Walker; and her devoted daughter-in-
law Shelia McKinney. She was a proud grandmother to 10 grandchildren, 32 great-
grandchildren, and 7 great-great-grandchildren.

In addition, she is remembered fondly by a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family
members, friends, and former students whose lives she deeply touched.

Her legacy isn’t just in the degrees she earned or the titles she held—it lives on in every life she
touched, every door she held open, and every heart she inspired. Dr. Mary Jean McKinney-
Jones was more than a teacher or leader—she was a force of grace, strength, and love that will
never be forgotten.

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