Mary Elizabeth McKee, affectionately known as “Nanny”, passed away peacefully on November 24, 2024, in Newport, Arkansas, at the age of 95. Born on August 22, 1929, in Grubbs, Arkansas, to Frank and Gertrude McCoy, Mary was a beacon of love and kindness, embodying the true spirit of a Christian and devoted mother.
A graduate of Newport High School, Mary excelled as a basketball player. She was a dedicated member of the Holden Avenue Church of Christ, where she taught Sunday school, participated in Caring Sisters, and organized many showers and weddings. Her talents as a cake decorator and wedding planner were well-known, and her love for flowers was evident in her beautiful gardens.
Mary’s life was a testament to her servant’s heart, and she will be remembered as a hero to her family and a cherished friend to many.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 64 years, Charles McKee; her daughter, Kim Washam; her grandson, Davis Jones; one grandson-in-law, Donnie Schulz; her parents; stepmother, Pearl McCoy; two brothers, Sonny and James McCoy; and three sisters, Loudean Bullard, Madge Bullard, and Fran Nance.
Mary is survived by her loving family, including her son, Stan McKee and wife, Betty; three daughters, Pam Moore and husband, Randy, Beth Jones and husband, Eddie, and Sandy Hefner and husband, Steve; and her son-in-law, Donnie Washam, all of Newport; and one brother, Ronnie McCoy and wife, Jan, of Searcy, Arkansas.
Her legacy continues through her grandchildren, Mindy Schulz, Donnie Washam and wife, Stephanie, Melissa Kieffner and husband, Brad, Bobby Moore and wife, Jennifer, Charles Moore and wife, Lana, Liz Jones, Trey Metzger and wife, Sarah, Tracey Renard and husband, Ryan, Amanda Hefner and husband, David, and Shane Coe and wife, Laura; her great-grandchildren, Bryson Schulz and wife, Bree, Hayden Schulz, Lacy Frost and husband, Jesse, all of Newport, Reagan Washam, Sadie Washam, and Ben Washam, all of Searcy, Reece Kieffner of Newport, Easton Moore and wife, Olivia of McKinney, Texas, Kayden Moore of Kissimmee, Florida, Hudson Moore, and Maddyn Moore, both of Keller, Texas, Kylee Moore and Katie Moore, both of North Richland Hills, Texas, Charlie Jackson and William Jackson, both of Newport, Rhett Hunter of Wynne, Rex Metzger of Newport, Cruse Renard, Charlie Renard, and Mary McKee Renard, all of Little Rock, and Gavin Anders and Dylan Anders of Hot Springs; her great-great grandchildren, Harlee Moore and Abby Moore, both of McKinney, Texas, and James and Daniel Schulz, both of Newport; and a lifetime of friends.
Funeral services are at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, December 3, 2024, at Jackson’s Newport Funeral Home Chapel with interment in Walnut Grove Cemetery. Friends may visit at the funeral home, on Tuesday at 12:30 p.m. until service time.
Those honored to serve as pallbearers are Donnie Washam, Trey Metzger, Bryson Schulz, Hayden Schulz, Brad Kieffner, Reece Kieffner, Ryan Renard, Easton Moore, Jesse Frost, Shane Coe, and Hudson Moore.
Arrangements by Jackson’s Newport Funeral Home.
