A Time to Be Born: The season of life for Jessica Yvonne McKinney began in Albany, Georgia on February 22, 1960.  She was the fifth of fourteen children born to John and Essie "Ma Red" McKinney.

A Time to Learn: She was educated in the Dougherty County School  System, graduating from Monroe Comprehensive High School in 1978.  While at Monroe, Jessica was a very active, diehard "Tornado" who bled green and gold.  She continued her studies at Meadows College and Albany Technical College where she completed the requirements to become a Certified Childcare Instructor.

A Time to Serve: "Tootsie" as she was endearingly called, grew up in a home in which the Lord was feared and worshipped.  At an early age, she professed her faith and belief in Christ, was baptized, and united with the Mt. Pilgrim Baptist Church.  In later years, she united with Victorious Life Church under the leadership of Bishop J. Nathan Paige.  She was a faithful member who was steadfast in her service as an Usher and a member of the MLK Commemorative Choir.  Her love of gospel music permeated throughout her home and often reverberated into the community.

A Time to Work: Often described as a conscientious and persistent individual, Tootsie was blessed to have had an extremely rewarding professional career.  For more than 15 years, she was employed with the Dougherty County School System as a bus attendant.  Tootsie had a deep love for children and was relentless in guiding, inspiring, nurturing, and encouraging students through the years.  There is no student whose life she touched, that doesn't remember her with enormous love, affection and respect.  She was a second mother to virtually everyone.

A Time to  Embrace: Tootsie garnered much from her experiences and embraced life with open arms.  She was an altruistic mother and grandmother who had a quiet strength, never complained, always had a smile, and constantly sacrificed her needs for the good of her family.   Tootsie had a big heart, gave of herself freely, loved unconditionally, and eagerly supported her children and grandchildren in all of their endeavors.  Her devotion to family and friends was immeasurable.

A Time to Rest :  After a courageous battle with breast, lung, and ovarian cancer, Tootsie faced the sunset of her earthly journey on Sunday, March 7, 2021. She fought a good fight and Almighty God called her home to eternal rest.  In addition to her beloved mother, she was predeceased by her grandson, James  J. McKinney; brother, Rickey McKinney; nephews, Tyras and Olijah McKinney; aunts, Ella M. Glaze and Jewel James; and uncles, Eddie, Freddie, and Charles Singleton.

A Time to Cherish: Loving memories will forever be cherished by her father, John W. McKinney, Sr; children, LaTasha Jenkins, Juanrico McKinney, and Ky'nard Lofton; grandchildren, De'Montavian, Ayiuanna, Nyiuanna, Kayla, and Journee; siblings, Howard Dixon, Bobby (Evelyn) McKinney, Dorothy Jenkins, John W. McKinney, Jr., Stephanie (Abraham) Johnson, Maverick (Cassandra) McKinney, Dexter (Jackie) McKinney, Orento (Erica) McKinney, and Sherrod McKinney; Benaventa McKinney; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.