Cynthia Mae Adams McKinnell, 80, passed away on August 18th, 2021, in a local hospital. A member of the Dawes community and life-long resident of Mobile, Alabama, Cynthia is preceded in death by her husband of 58 years, Earl McKinnell, Sr. and by her parents, Archie Brooks and Mattie Mae Adams.
After spending many years as a stay-at-home mother, Cynthia went to work for Tanner’s Pecan Company and later for McRae’s/Parisian/Belk. She befriended countless co-workers along the way, many becoming her closest friends. To know her was to love her, and her customers and clients also became her friends.
She loved to cook, and hosting a party - big or small - was something she thoroughly enjoyed. No matter thecrowd size she had anticipated, if additional folks showed up, she welcomed and greeted each of them as if they were the guest of honor, the mark of a true southern lady.
But her greatest joy in the world was spending time with her family, and she delighted in being the Matriarch of her large, loving bunch. Nothing gave “Nanny” more happiness than being surrounded by her many grand and great-grandchildren. She was their loudest cheerleader and their biggest fan. Each of them is convinced that they were her favorite. She understood they were all true gifts from the Lord and she cherished every moment she spent with them.
She will forever be remembered for her beautiful, warm, and kind spirit. She truly exemplified the heart of Christ by treating everyone she met with love and dignity, always welcoming each person with kindness and grace. She will be missed terribly by everyone who knew her.
Cynthia is survived by her 4 children: daughter, Sandy (Marty) Touchstone; son, Earl (Stephanie) McKinnell, Jr.; son, Mike (Angie) McKinnell; daughter, Candy (Frankie) Evans; grandchildren: Wayne Loper, Kristin McKinnell, Adam Loper, Stephen McKinnell, Kelly Nguyen, Brandon McKinnell, Peyton Montgomery, John Taylor Evans, Amanda Lewis, Brett Smith, Misty Pitts, Jake Touchstone, and Devin Touchstone; great-grandchildren: Jaden Farley, Savanna Loper, Sadie Nguyen, Makenzie Loper, Barrett Loper, Libby Nguyen, Brooks McKinnell, Alex Loper, Mary Grace McKinnell, Charlie McKinnell, Finlee Loper, Ann Hayden Nguyen, Knox McKinnell, McKinnell Montgomery, Dylan Lomas, and Derrick Lomas; brother, Archie (Glenda) Adams; and sister, Sally (Charlie) Schrumpt; nieces, nephews, other family members, and many friends.
March 5, 1941 - August 18, 2021 (age 80)
A visitation will be held Sunday, August 22nd, from 5:00-7:00 PM at Ascension Funeral Home, 1016 Hillcrest Rd, Mobile, AL 36695. A funeral service will be held Monday, August 23rd, at 10:00 AM at Christ United Methodist Church, 6101 Grelot Road, Mobile, AL 36609.
