Vernita McKinney

On Tuesday, June 25, 2013, our beloved Vernita Ann McKinney departed this world to dwell in Heaven among other angels and the Lord Jesus Christ. Her passing leaves a void within us all that is only filled with joyous memories of a life well lived. Born January 27, 1948 in Natchez, Alabama, Vernita was the first child and only daughter of the late Collins and Maudia Locke. She was soon joined by three brothers: Collins Locke, Jr., Robert E. Locke and Roscoe L. Locke. In 1962, the young family moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico in search of better opportunities. The family soon found a spiritual home at Metropolitan Temple Church of God In Christ. In 1987, they decided to join Faith Temple Church of God in Christ, where Vernita faithfully served the Lord for nearly twenty-five years. Vernita graduated from Albuquerque High School, and then attended Albuquerque Technical Vocational Institute where she became a Certified Nurses Assistant. Vernita truly found her calling in caring for others in a professional career and her daily life. In 1972, Vernita married Tommy G. McKinney, Sr. and in 1978 gave birth to a set of beautiful twins, Tamara Y. McKinney-Ndongwe and Tommy G. McKinney, Jr. Vernita was a loving wife and mother who instilled Godly wisdom in her children. Her happiest moments were times spent with her children. Shortly before her passing, she became grandmother to a beautiful set of twin boys, Aden N. Ndongwe and Kaden T. Ndongwe. In addition to her children, grandchildren and brothers, she leaves to mourn her passing two sisters-in-law, Lynn Locke and Melinda Locke; a son-in-law, Cliff Ndongwe; a daughter-in-law, Tiffany N. Jackson, and a loving host of nephews, cousins, friends and acquaintances. Visitation with family and loved ones will take place on Sunday, June 30, 2013 from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at FRENCH- University. Funeral services will be held on Monday, July 1, 2013 at 10:00 a.m. at Faith Temple Church of God in Christ located at 1004 Broadway SE, Albuquerque, NM, with burial to follow at Sunset Memorial Park, 924 Menual Blvd NE. In lieu of flowers the family has asked that donations be made in Vernita's honor and memory to the New Mexico Cancer Center Foundation c/o NMCCF, 4901 Lang Ave NE., Albuquerque, NM 87109 or