Mary Julia McKinstry

Mary Julia was born on November 27, 1935 to the late Vessie and Daisy Lue Hinton in Aliceville, Alabama. Mary accepted Jesus Christ at an early age and was baptized at Union Valley Baptist Church in Aliceville. Mary was educated and graduated from the Alabama School System. Her family moved to Harlan, KY and Mary returned to Alabama where she met and married Ike McKinstry. From this union they had two children and moved to Cincinnati and were blessed with two more children.

Mary’s love of God led her to unite at Second Community Baptist Church where she sang in the choir. She was a prayer warrior and loved to help and work in the church. Mary loved praying for those in need, giving encouraging words, and honest advice. She would tell you if you were wrong and get on your case to do the right thing.

Mary never met a stranger. She worked for many years at Manor Care until she retired. Mary loved children and went to the Hamilton County Job and Family Service to become a foster mom to many that were placed in her home until adopted. She loved to cook and teach how to make her homemade pound cake or dumplings, and wild game.

Mary had a passion for going fishing, traveling, cruising, and shopping. She loved spending time with all her family and friends having cookouts on the porch. She liked to dance and joke with her best niece, Merline Wiggins who would always tell her they were the best dancers in the family. She always kept a bag packed ready to ride with Nancy.

Mary liked spending time in Alabama during the summer with Bud Long (Theresa) camping and fishing. She was a strong disciplinary and had a heart of gold for her grandchildren and family. Mary believed in keeping it real with you and was very outspoken.

Mary was called home on February 2, 2024, surrounded by her family. She was preceded in death by her parents, Vessie and Daisy; all her siblings: brothers, Sammie Lee, Willie T., Joseph, and Willie E.; sisters, Lillie B., Frances B., Rosietta, Ethel, Estella, Tommie Emma Jane, Ella Jean, Mattie, and Pearl; son, Gary; and grandson, Jason Alonzo.

Mary leaves to cherish her loving memories; daughters, Patricia Perry (Stanley), Hattie McKinstry, and LaTisha McKinstry; special to her, William Bud Long (Theresa), Nancy Pointdexter, and Merline Wiggins; grandchildren, Stanley Perry (Dana), Isaac, Mariamne, Tanya, Melissa Bridges (Daryl), William, Demoin, Tameka, Dionte, LaKia, Dominique, Geramey, Courtney, and Germani; 15 grandchildren, 9 great-great grandchildren; and a host of family and friends.

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