Wandalene Jeanette Bays McKinley's Obituary
Wandalene "Wanda" Jeanette Bays McKinley went to be with her Lord and Savior on April 20, 2023. Wanda was born in Richmond, Va to Burrell and Ethel Bays. She graduated Johnson Bible College in Knoxville TN, then she was a teacher for a period of time. Wanda married the love of her life Jack McKinley and moved their family to Sarasota in 1974 and she then was a waitress and then head waitress at Walgreens restaurant at Gulf Gate Mall in Sarasota for several years until they closed. After that she worked at Wags restaurant for a short time, then at Bay Village as a Dietary Aide until she retired.
Wanda was preceded in death by her husband of 61 years Jack McKinley Sr; sons: Jack McKinley Jr son and his wife Joanne McKinley, Frank McKinley and his wife Susan McKinley; and siblings: Jim Bays, Nita Bays Giles, Tryphena Bays Stanley, Fern Bays Harrell Myers and June Bays Peer.
Left to cherish Wanda's memory is her surviving daughter Elizabeth McKinley Patria and her husband Michael; her cherish grandchildren: Samantha McKinley, Amber McKinley Craft and her husband Devon, Sierra McKinley, Michael Patria III, Corey Schukraft and his wife Rebecca; great grandchildren: Nik Leigh and Lilian Schukraft;she had many nieces and nephews who she loved on both her side of the family, many who kept in touch with her while she was ill and a host of other family and friends.
Wanda was a loving mother, grandmother and great grandmother. The most important thing in her life was her relationship with God and her desire to let others know about him. She celebrated her 90th birthday April 23rd in heaven surrounded by those who preceded her in death, with God saying "Well done my good and faithful servant"
Memorial Service will be on Sunday April 30th at 2 PM at First Christian Church located at 1815 18th Ave W, Bradenton, FL 34205
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