Denise McKinney

Ms. Denise McKinney passed away peacefully Tuesday, May 27, 2025, at her residence in Buena Vista Township, Michigan. Age 69 years young. She was born on November 30, 1955, in Saginaw, Michigan, to loving parents, Philander Williams and Carrie Lee Collins-McKinney.

Denise was a lifetime resident of Saginaw, Michigan. She received her Trojan education from Saginaw High School, Class of 1974, and was a graduate of Delta College and Davenport University. Denise believed you were never too old to learn. She was a hardworking, dedicated, and proud retiree of Vlasic Pickle Company, in Bridgeport, Michigan. Some would affectionately call her a social butterfly with her humorous and good-witted nature, the laughs never stopped when she entered the room. She never missed a day calling her close family to check on them. She enjoyed singing, dancing, family gatherings, knitting, crocheting, and above all cooking. Denise never met a stranger. She loved everyone, especially her Collins, Anderson, McKinney, and Patterson (CAMP) family. She spent countless hours volunteering, walking and marching annually, and being a strong advocate for The Sickle Cell Disease Association of America, MI Chapter (SCDAA-MI).

Denise leaves to cherish loving memories her beloved daughter, Brandi Nih-Cole McKinney; siblings: Yvonne McKinney, Bruce (Pam) McKinney, Reginald McKinney, Regimond (Shender) McKinney, all of Saginaw, Michigan. Gregory (Tracey) McKinney, Canton, Michigan, Helen (Ben) McKinney-Gorham, College Park, Georgia, Dr. Liska (Danny) McKinney Andu Daniels, Tampa, Florida, Anthony McKinney, Houston, Texas; an abundance of special nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, other relatives and friends.

Denise McKinney was preceded in death by her beloved parents, Philander Williams, and Carrie Lee Collins-McKinney; her most cherished and beloved son, Deshae McKinney; brothers, Dwight McKinney Jr, and Dr. Robin Earl McKinney, Ph.D.; sisters, Karen and Sharon McKinney.

The family would like to express our deepest gratitude and sincere thanks to everyone for your prayers, cards, food, laughter, offers to assist in any way, and providing shoulders to lean on. We give special thanks to McLaren Hospice, the Brothers & Daughters of Epicurean Lodge # 674 of Saginaw, Michigan, and Ivan E. Phillips and the Staff at Paradise Funeral Chapel.