Myrtice Laverne McKinnon

Myrtice McKinnon survived 90 trips (January 30, 1936 – February 13, 2026) around the sun. In these years she poured all her care and resources into her loved ones, relying on the Lord to provide for her. She lived a full and grounded life marked by quiet strength and deep family devotion.

Myrtice was preceded in death by her husband, Lloyd Buck, of 64 years. She is survived by her two daughters, Cheryle Gillin (Warren deceased) and Yvonne Edwards (Fred). She was a beloved Grandma to four grandchildren: James Barry (Nana), Alex Barry (Mary), Grace Fritts (Chad), and Marcus Gillin (deceased). There are also nine great-grandchildren.

Myrtice was the last of her six siblings; Emogene Hart, Janie Kelley and Carroll Givens all lived in Baker County, GA. Buddy Givens (Dawson, GA), Charles Givens (Crawford, AL), and Brenda Sue “Susan” Dollar (Lee County, GA).

Myrtice was an athlete in her younger years. Her brothers and sisters often called her “monkey” because of her love her climbing trees. She was on the 1950 Class C girls basketball State championship team. She loved swimming and delivered a beautiful freestyle stroke. She once saved a little girl from drowning at the local community pool.

Myrtice was one of the first nursery workers for the “Mother’s Morning Out” program at the First United Methodist Church in Albany, GA. She was employed there for 18 years until she retired in 1998.

A dear friend who worked with her for seven years shared: “I had the pleasure of working with your Mom at First Methodist Preschool in the 1980s. Her patience and calm demeanor in every situation was admirable. She showed kindness, love, gentleness, and respect to each child, the parents, and all other teachers. She truly followed and lived out Galatians 5:22 — the fruits of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Myrtice’s life was and will remain a blessing and continue to point others to Jesus Christ.”

In Momma’s last years she lived in her home, which her husband Lloyd built later with a long front porch. She loved sitting in her swing watching the hummingbirds zip and hover by to say, “hello.”

Momma is in no pain and the Lord has lifted her up with loving arms into Heaven.

The family thanks all for the prayers, cards, flowers, food, and words of kindness. Only a very small family gathering has been held with a very dear friend’s words spoken and a beautiful song.