Ora McKinnon

In Loving Memory of Mrs. Ora Lee Underwood McKinnon

June 3, 1927 – July 28, 2026

"She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. She opens her mouth with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children arise and call her blessed."

Proverbs 31:25–Proverbs 31 woman—a woman of unwavering faith, quiet strength, boundless generosity, and unconditional love. She was a devoted wife, loving mother, treasured grandmother, faithful friend, compassionate neighbor, and servant of God whose life was a blessing to everyone who knew her.

Ora Lee was born on June 3, 1927, in Union Springs, Alabama, to the late Riley and Leola Underwood. From an early age, she learned the importance of faith, family, hard work, and serving others—values that would guide her throughout her ninety-nine years.

As a young girl, Ora Lee accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior and united with Lowfield Baptist Church in Union Springs, Alabama. Her faith became the cornerstone of her life and remained her source of wisdom, comfort, and strength through every season.

As a young woman, Ora Lee became captivated by a handsome young man with bright red hair named Dozier E. McKinnon. What began as admiration blossomed into a beautiful love story, and on December 27, 1945, they were united in holy matrimony. Together they shared nearly sixty-three years of marriage until his passing in December 2008.

As the devoted wife of Rev. McKinnon, she faithfully served alongside her husband throughout his pastoral ministry. She graciously supported his work, welcomed others with warmth and hospitality, and faithfully served wherever she was needed. Following his passing, Ora Lee stepped away from active church leadership but continued living a life of service through the Scarboro community and the Guiding Light Circle, where she remained a trusted friend, compassionate volunteer, and dedicated community servant.

Ora Lee truly embodied the spirit of the Proverbs 31 woman. She possessed quiet confidence, remarkable wisdom, unwavering faith, and a servant's heart. She led not with titles or recognition, but through her example. Whether caring for her family, encouraging a friend, comforting a neighbor, or helping someone in need, she reflected the love of Christ in everything she did.

Nothing brought Ora Lee greater joy than caring for her family. She was an extraordinary homemaker who believed that a loving home was one of God's greatest gifts. Her home was welcoming and filled with warmth. She was an exceptional cook and a gifted baker.  Her home  was a place where family gathered, traditions were created, wisdom was shared, and countless memories were made.

Ora Lee also found great joy in gardening. She spent countless hours tending to the beautiful flowers in her yard and took pride in helping maintain the Scarboro community flower garden. Her gardens reflected the same patience, beauty, and loving care that she poured into every area of her life.

Her servant's heart extended far beyond her own family. She was a proud member of the Order of the Eastern Star.  She cared for elderly neighbors, prepared meals for those who were homebound, participated in community improvement efforts, and was always among the first to offer a helping hand. She never looked for recognition—she simply believed that helping others was the right thing to do.

In her later years, although her eyesight began to decline, her faith never wavered.  Determined not to let failing vision separate her from God's Word, she simply picked up a magnifying glass and continued reading her Bible each day. Today, the well-worn pages of her Bible stand as a lasting testimony to a woman whose faith remained steadfast until the very end.

 Ora Lee was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Rev. Dozier E. McKinnon; her parents, Riley and Leola Underwood; her son, Charles E. McKinnon, Sr.; her brothers, Riley Underwood, Reuben Underwood, Lemmie Underwood, Sr., and her sister, Leila Faulk.

She leaves to cherish her precious memory her loving sister, Inez Bates; her daughters, M. Jean Lino (Nathaniel) and M. Lois McKinnon-Thomas; her sons, Booker McKinnon, Dozier E. McKinnon, Jr. (Lynn), and Jerome McKinnon (Gloria).

She also leaves to cherish her memory her beloved grandchildren: Vincent Turner (Andrea), Shantel Agnew, Brandon Lino (Charvonne), Meike Lino, Charles McKinnon, Jr., Amber McKinnon, Candice Thomas, Alex C. McKinnon, and Devon McKinnon, Jessielynn (Razy), Marco (Jen), John (Helen), Tim (Shiori); her cherished great-grandchildren, GeeVantay Gee, Lexy Turner, Brandi K. Lino, Brandon Lino, Jr., and Joshua Lino; Vincent Turner, Jr., Jeremiah McKinnon, Jayden McKinnon,  Emory McKinnon, Jake, Emme, Zachee, Jett, Harper, Haven, Floran, Caelum,Rosie, and Charlie; a host of beloved great-great-grandchildren; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, dear friends, and special loved ones, including Willie Lou Wade, Gwen Moton, and Janie Taylor.

The family will receive friends from 11:00am to 12:00pm on Thursday, August 6, 2026 at True Light Missionary Baptist Church, located at 3229 George Light Road, Knoxville, TN 37931 with a service to immediately follow. Interment will be at Oak Ridge Memorial Garden, located at 1501 Bethel Valley Rd, Oak Ridge, TN 37830 immediately following service.

"Well done, good and faithful servant... Enter into the joy of your Lord." — Matthew 25:23