Bernadette Theriot McKinney

Obituary for Bernadette Theriot McKinney

Bernadette Theriot McKinney, 76, of Dayton, Texas, passed away peacefully on September 17, 2024. Born on June 30, 1948, in Chicago, Illinois, she was the beloved daughter of Leroy Joseph Theriot and Evelyn Helen Maloney Theriot.

A proud graduate of Dayton High School in 1968, Bernadette was a lifelong member of St. Anne's Catholic Church, where her faith and community spirit flourished. Over her diverse career, she worked in several fast-food restaurants, but her 20 years at Wal-Mart were particularly cherished. There, she forged lasting friendships, and even in retirement, she continued to enjoy monthly gatherings with her former colleagues.

Bernadette had a passion for travel, relishing long road trips. Her last adventure took her to North Carolina to visit her son, John, and his family, creating memories she treasured deeply. She was especially fond of her visits with Aunt Jimmie in Nixon, Texas, and often dreamt of a trip to Jamaica.

An avid television enthusiast, Bernadette loved Hallmark movies, “Little House on the Prairie,” and “The Waltons.” Daytime favorites included “The Price is Right,” “Young and the Restless,” and “Let’s Make a Deal,” always enjoyed with a refreshing Dr. Pepper in hand.

Bernadette’s greatest joy was her family. She was an extraordinary mother to her five children, who cherished her as the greatest mom. Her grandchildren loved spending time with her, and her role as their babysitter brought her immense happiness.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her devoted husband of 48 years, J.B. McKinney, Sr., and several beloved siblings, Lee, Johnny, Paul and Mark Sr. Theriot, in-laws Terri Theriot and Sheryl McKinney, Robert McKinney and Marvin McKinney, grandson, Christopher Jay Rash and great-grandson, Asher Fleshman and nephew, Mark Theriot Jr.

Bernadette is survived by her children: Curtis McKinney and fiancée Christeen Huseman, John McKinney and wife Jessica, J.B. McKinney Jr. and wife Melissa, Evelyn Parish and husband Brad, and Jennifer Rash and husband Ken. She also leaves behind her cherished siblings, Mike Theriot (Caryl), Terry Theriot (Starla), Rusty Theriot (Veronica), Annette Simmons, Angela Tanner (David), grandchildren, Shawn (Chanaie), Brittany (Michael), Ryan (Kassadi), Brianna (James), Matthew, Austin (Jenni), Kyle, Luke, Mary, Ava, Allyson (Russell), Ashley (Trevor), Amber, great-grandchildren, Michael III, Braeden, Brycen, Madison, Tatumn, Lane Emersyn, Lynlee, Gracie, Aisley, Londyn, Triston, Nicholas, and two on the way. Also numerous nieces and nephews and her sweet grand pups, Memorie and Hershey.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, September 21, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Pace Stancil Funeral Home in Dayton, followed by a rosary at 12:00 PM. A service will take place at 2:00 PM at St. Anne's Catholic Church in Eastgate, with burial to follow at St. Anne's Cemetery.

Pallbearers will include Austin Rash, Kyle Rash, Matthew McKinney, Ryan Parish, Shawn Parish, and Michael Galvan Jr., with honorary pallbearers being Michael Galvan III, Braeden Galvan, Tatumn Buster, Lane Provost, Brycen Parish, and Luke Rash. The service will be officiated by Father Peter Nguyen.

Bernadette's warmth, laughter, and love will be deeply missed by all who knew her.