Clay Edward McKinney, 56, formerly of Benton Harbor, transitioned into glory April 10, 2017, at his home in Tacoma, Wash.

Services will be held Friday, April 28, 2017, at Union Memorial AME, 911 S. Crystal Ave., Benton Harbor, with visitation at 10 a.m. and services at 11 a.m. Burial will take place at Crystal Springs Cemetery, Benton Harbor.

Clay was born Aug. 4, 1960, in Benton Harbor, to the union of Joe and Irene McKinney Sr. Clay gave his life to the Lord Jesus Christ in January 2014 at Children of Life Non-Denominational Church in Tacoma, Wash. Clay became a head deacon, great witness, outreach minister and a great foot soldier for the Lord, “telling of His greatness wherever he went.” Even at rest, Clay worshiped and praised Christ and evangelized everywhere he went. He was proud of his Godly metamorphosis and conversion and how God completely changed him and Jesus’ love bestowed upon him.

Clay worked as a general maintenance worker at the Sunset Gardens Apartment Complex for the last several years. In addition, he worked in his church, serving any capacity needed to ensure that a spiritual atmosphere was present. In his youth, Clay was a Junior Golden Gloves boxing champ and loved the sport. One of Clay’s biggest earthly victories was going back to school and becoming victorious over illiteracy, and being a faithful and dedicated student to school and God’s word.

Clay is survived by mother, Irene McKinney; daughter, Collette Lauderdale; son, Simeon J. Wade; sisters: Mattie (Larry) Brooks, Mary Jo McKinney, Delois (Keith) Edlam and Tracey (Rodney) Walter; brothers: Ben L., Benard, Clifford (Christina), Eric, Jerome and Tom (Mia) McKinney; and a host of nieces, nephews, family and friends to celebrate his homegoing.

Clay was preceded in death by his father,Joe McKinney Sr., and his brother, Joe McKinney Jr.

 Service Information