Marilynn Sue Fuller-McKinney

Marilynn Sue Fuller-McKinney was born in Fresno, California, in 1956 to Elvirn Fuller Sr. and Mary Sue Hargrave Fuller. At an early age, her family relocated to Mount Pleasant, Texas, where she was raised and graduated from Mount Pleasant High School in 1974.

Marilynn made history as the first Black Christmas Queen in Mount Pleasant. She continued her education at Prairie View A&M University, where she studied Home Economics and Child Development, earning her bachelor’s degree in 1978. While attending Prairie View, she was a proud member of the renowned Black Foxx Dance Team, performing with the Marching Storm Band.

In 1977, Marilynn married Ron Perry, and to this union one daughter was born, Monique Danielle Perry.

Marilynn dedicated her life to serving others, especially children and families. Through hard work and determination, she became a licensed social worker in Greenville, South Carolina. Her career of service touched countless lives across the country. She worked for Pilgrim’s Pride in Mount Pleasant, Texas; Western College in Yuma, Arizona; the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, Tennessee; Head Start in Valdosta, Georgia; the Department of Human Services in Memphis, Tennessee; Compass of Carolina in Greenville, South Carolina; Girl Scout Troop 89 in Greenville, South Carolina; the Boys & Girls Club; Mentoring Alliance in Tyler, Texas; Champions for Children in Tyler, Texas; and Union Hill Independent School District in Gilmer, Texas.

Marilynn’s passion for helping children was evident wherever she served. Through her compassion, wisdom, and dedication, she impacted the lives of countless young people and families, leaving a legacy of love, encouragement, and hope.

On July 7, 2001, Marilynn married Bruce E. McKinney Sr., the love of her life. Together they shared a devoted and loving marriage until her passing. Their union was built upon faith, commitment, respect, and enduring love.

She was preceded in death by her father, Elvirn Fuller Sr.; her stepson, Bruce McKinney II; her brother, Eric Fuller; her sister, Meletha Fuller; her mother-in-law, Mary McKinney Jones; her father-in-law, Elmo Jones; and her brother-in-law, Mark McKinney.

Marilynn leaves to cherish her precious memories: her husband of 24 years, Bruce E. McKinney Sr.; her daughter, Monique Danielle Perry; her beloved children through marriage, Sheen Fort, Brodrick McKinney, Bryant McKinney, and Devin McKinney; her cherished granddaughters, Micah Gabrielle Elysse Perry; her mother, Mary Sue Fuller; her siblings, Mary Fuller Woods, Elvirn Fuller Jr. (Ida Mae), Earnest Fuller (Dureen), Monica Fuller Dixon, Yolanda Willis (Louis), and Laverne Winston; her brothers- and sisters-in-law, Lloyd McKinney Jr., Deborah Walker, and Kenneth McKinney; along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and dear friends who will forever treasure her memory.

Marilynn’s life was a testament to faith, service, compassion, and love. Her legacy lives on in the countless lives she touched and, in the family, and friends who were blessed to know her.

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