Deacon Napolean McKinney

Deacon Napolean McKinney, age 87, of Forrest City, Arkansas, transitioned peacefully from this earthly life into the loving presence of the Lord on Wednesday, December 3, 2025, at 6:53 a.m. in Belleville, Illinois. The Word of God declares in Psalm 116:15, "Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints," and truly, the homegoing of Deacon McKinney reflects the life of a faithful servant who walked with humility, reverence, and unwavering devotion to God.

Born in Palestine, Arkansas, he was the only son of the late Tilmon McKinney and Fannie Adams McKinney and was lovingly referred to by family members as "Boy" or "Boy Adams." Deacon McKinney was nurtured in a loving home that instilled in him strong values, quiet strength, and a deep respect for family. These early foundations shaped the manner in which he lived, loved, and served throughout his life.

On October 13, 1962, he was joined in holy matrimony to his beloved wife, Mother Eva Jean Weaver McKinney, a union ordained by God and strengthened by mutual love, prayer, and steadfast companionship. For sixty-three years, they walked together as partners, confidantes, and best friends, exemplifying the sanctity of marriage and the beauty of God's design for family.

Deacon McKinney was the proud father of four children, each of whom brought him tremendous joy and purpose. To them, he was a steady protector, a gentle giant whose laughter brightened family gatherings, and a quiet but firm disciplinarian who always led with love and wisdom.

A man of diligence, Deacon McKinney believed in the honor of hard work. From the early years of plowing fields while his wife picked cotton, to his faithful service at Yale & Towne Manufacturing and the Forrest City Water Department, until he retired from the Forrest City Public School System, he modeled integrity, consistency, and humility. His gentle spirit and dependable presence left a lasting imprint on coworkers, teachers, and generations of students.

Deacon McKinney gave his life to the Lord one Sunday morning while watching G. E. Patterson on TV. He never talked about it. No one knew he had given his life to Christ until his wife found him on his knees praying at his bedside one evening. After encountering Christ, notable changes were seen in his life. He joined Days Temple Church of God in Christ and was a devoted and long-standing member. He worshipped faithfully and lived out the principles of the Church with dignity and sincerity.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Tilmon McKinney and Fannie Adams McKinney, and his sisters, Willie G. McKinney, Ophelia McKinney, Katie McKinney Newborn, and Emra C. McKinney.

He leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife of sixty-three years, Mother Eva Jean Weaver McKinney, formerly of Forrest City, Arkansas, currently residing in Belleville, Illinois. He also leaves his children: Larry Logan of Sandusky, Ohio; Dr. DeVata Davis of Belleville, Illinois; Napoleon McKinney, Jr., of Portland, Oregon; and Jerome McKinney of Sandusky, Ohio. His surviving sibling, Ideltra Campbell of Buffalo, New York, remains to treasure his memory. He is further survived by ten grandchildren: Nickco Smith, Juanita Hill Carter, Dr. Leslie Y. Davis, James Tyrone Smith, Angel Smith, Chardene McKinney, Jayden Jerome McKinney, Brooklyn Smith-Logan, Napoleon McKinney, Jr., and Neveah McKinney. He also leaves twelve great-grandchildren: Paige Perkins, Courtney Perkins, Donovyn Hill, Logan Hill, Judah Horton, Jaylen Glin, Dorian McKinney, Dallas McKinney, Jordan Williams, Jayvionn Williams, Ayden Hawkins, and Amorn McKinney. He also leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, church family, neighbors, and friends who will forever cherish his quiet strength, gentle spirit, and unwavering love.

Deacon Napolean McKinney's earthly journey has closed, but his legacy of faith, humility, and steadfast service will continue to live on through all who knew and loved him.