Tina Brooks McKinney

Tina Brooks McKinney was born on May 31, 1960, in Baltimore, Maryland, to the late Luetta Judy Brooks and Ivor Vernon Brooks. On June 4, 2025, just days after celebrating her 65th birthday, Tina was peacefully called home to be with the Lord, surrounded by love in the home she shared with her devoted husband. Tina was the beloved wife of over 23 years to William McKinney. Their marriage was filled with friendship, laughter, and steadfast love — a true partnership that became an even deeper blessing through Tina’s courageous ten-year battle with cancer. She was a proud and loving mother to her children, Shannan Marie Young and Estrell Young III, who were the light of her life. Tina also remained connected to her former husband, Estrell Young Jr., the father of her children, with whom she was married to for 13 years. Tina also leaves behind her sisters and brothers-in-law, Theresa B. Grant and Gerald Grant; Malcolm McKinney, Barry McKinney, and Meredith McKinney; and her nieces and nephews, Barry McKinney Jr., Chelsea Williams, and Mike Williams, as well as countless cousins, extended family members, and dear friends whose lives were touched by her spirit. Tina received her early education at Edgecombe Circle Elementary School in Baltimore, Maryland. She went on to attend Greenspring Junior High School for two years, before transferring to Archbishop Keough High School. There, she became active in the after-school drama club and performed as Charlie Brown in the production of “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown.” She also developed a strong interest in business and office skills through typing and shorthand classes, which led her to participate in the school’s Cooperative Education program — an opportunity that provided her with valuable work experience at a local law firm. After graduation, Tina entered the workforce full time. Tina relocated to Atlanta, Georgia in 1989. Upon moving to Atlanta, she secured employment at a law firm and later began working for DeKalb County Purchasing and Contracting, where she built a respected career until her retirement in 2010. Tina was also a gifted writer. In 2003, she realized her lifelong dream of becoming a published author, releasing her first novel. Over the years, she would go on to write and publish an extraordinary 17 books, in addition to being featured in two compilation works. Through her writing, she built a devoted following and touched the lives of readers around the world. She was endlessly creative. After her cancer diagnosis, Tina taught herself to sew and quickly became remarkably skilled, crafting beautiful pieces with care and artistry. She had a vivid imagination and loved immersing herself in the colorful stories of reality television — always keeping up with the latest shows and characters that captured her attention. Tina loved the simple joys of life: fishing trips, visits to the casino where she delighted in playing the slot machines, and savoring her favorite treats — crabcakes, corned beef sandwiches, crabs, and of course, her beloved fudge. Though naturally private, Tina had a deep capacity for love and loyalty. She was protective of those she held close and gave her heart fully to her family and friends. Her quiet strength and unwavering love will be remembered by all who knew her. Tina’s passing leaves a profound void in the hearts of those who loved her. Yet, her legacy of resilience, creativity, and deep family love will live on forever. Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, June 21, 2025 at 1:00 P.M. at Gregory B. Levett & Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory Conyers Chapel, 1999 Hwy 138 SE, Conyers, GA 30013. Interment Green Meadow Cemetery 699 American Legion Rd. Conyers, GA 30012. Visitation will be held on Friday, June 20, 2025 from 12:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. with family hour from 5:00PM to 7:00PM at Gregory B. Levett Conyers Chapel. The Celebration of Life Service for Tina McKinney will be held on Saturday, June 21, 2025 at 1:00PM. This service will be recorded and streamed live. If the event is interrupted at any time due to technical issues, the entire event will be uploaded and available to view later in the day. Please copy and paste the link to share, or simply click on the link to view the event. https://vimeo.com/event/5199798

Tributes

Tina Brooks McKinney

May 31, 1960 - June 4, 2025