McKinley Ray Mc-Girt bravely fought cancer with remarkable strength and courage, but sadly lost her battle on January 14, 2025, at the tender age of 17. She was born on December 13, 2007, to Journey (Hagy) Callaway and raised by Jerry Adams. McKinley was a vibrant spirit known for her determination, drive to succeed and her smile.
A student at Morris High School, McKinley was not only the Junior Class President but also a remarkable leader who single-handedly sold $5,000 worth of peanuts to help the Junior class fund, showcasing her dedication and commitment to her peers.
An academic standout, McKinley was a proud member of the Morris Academic Team, specializing in history, and was a member in both the Morris National Honor Society and the OSUIT Honor Society. Her excellence in academics earned her two back-to-back OSSAA State Championships along with numerous other individual accolades. Beyond academics, McKinley excelled on the softball field as a catcher for the Lady Eagles and participated in several competitive travel teams. She also played golf, demonstrating her multifaceted talents.
McKinley was an active youth member at First Baptist Church and dedicated many hours volunteering for various December 13, 2007 – January 14, 2025
causes, including HOBY and the Elk’s Lodge.
She is preceded in death by her brother Hayden Callaway; grandparents, David and Wanda Adams and her Papa Floyd Waters. She is survived by her mother Journey and her father Jerry Adams; her sister Cheyenne Callaway and husband Brandon Ertel; her nephew Emmitt Ertel; uncle J.D. Hagy, her grandfather, Devon Hagy of Okmulgee; grandmother Mary Hagy of West Virginia and great grand mother Esther Hayden.
Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Monday, January 20, 2024, at the Don Shoemake Sports Complex, with Pastor Robby Bowen and Mr. Matt Hardin officiating. Casket bearers will be Rodney Luellen, Perry Sebring, Cole Bailey, David Merrill, Bruce Force and Chebon Wilson. Jeremy Avery, Ian Merrill, Colton Criner, Keaton Harjo and Tyler Dean will service as honorary casket bearers.
Viewing and visitation will take place from 1-7 p.m. Sunday, January 19, 2025, at McClendon- Winters Funeral Home Chapel in Okmulgee. In lieu of flowers, McKinley would be proud and honored for donations to go to her Morris Academic Team fund. Please mail donations to Morris Public Schools, Attention Mr. Jeremy Avery, 307 S. 6th Street, Morris, OK, 74445 or donations can be sent in care of the funeral home. Arrangements have been entrusted to Mc-Clendon-Winters Funeral Home of Okmulgee. Memories, condolences, photos and videos may be shared with the family on McKinley’s Tribute Page at www.mcclendon- winters.com.
