Cleola McKinley was born Cleola Harris, July 23, 1951, in Pine Bluff, AR. She was preceded in death by her mother Girtha Harris and father Rhubin Harris. She is survived by her loving husband Carl McKinley and children, Pamela (Robert) Anderson, Kimberly (Marvin) Canada, Darrin Mitchell, Wendellyn Stallings, Travis (Mae), Carl Brandon and adopted grandchildren Aaron and Alea.

Cleola was a loving and much-loved nana to 11 grandchildren and great-nana to four. She was a dedicated caregiver, cornerstone of our family, a warm and welcoming neighbor and friends with anyone she met. Cleola was a self-starter, life learner and determined woman. She aggressively tackled health challenges and setbacks, while living her best life. Cleola loved to travel and loved spending time with her family. When asked, her children described Cleola as "the person who inspires me the most," and "the woman I aspire to be".

After several 'vacations of a lifetime', the last finishing the day of her hospitalization, we placed her in God's hands Sunday, February 9th at 4:39 pm. Cleola will continue to dwell in our hearts even after leaving this earth.
In lieu of flowers, please send memorials to the National Kidney Foundation (https://team.kidney.org/campaign/In-Celebration-of-Cleola-McKinley).

Funeral and burial service for Cleola are private; however, her family welcomes all to her memorial celebration, Saturday, February 15th from 2- 6 pm at Tin Widow, 703 S 2nd Street, Milwaukee, WI.