Mary Jo Mckaney

ELOY - Mary Jo McKaney, 90, died peacefully on Aug. 27, 2020, in the comfort of her home.

Mrs. McKaney was born on March 11, 1930, in Alto, Texas, a daughter of Viola and Joe Brown. She married William "Son Bell" McKaney in Alto, and they moved to Eloy in 1952. They had 14 children. She was a faithful member of Eloy Church of Christ for over 50 years and joyfully kept an entire pew filled with children and grandchildren every Sunday. An entrepreneur and businesswoman dedicated to her community, she was on the front lines of creating a positive future for the next generation. Her pioneering spirit led to her involvement in the early days of the Head Start program, and she made a trip to Washington, D.C., to advocate for the need to give children in rural and underserved communities a "head start" in the hope of achieving parity in educational outcomes.

She was president of the Miss Black Pinal County beauty pageant, which created an avenue for young women to showcase "Black Girl Magic." She also showed her love through her amazing gift of cooking. Her legendary "All You Can Eat Fish Fry Fridays" and "1 Lb. Burgers" brought crowds to the Toltec Tavern for over 50 years. Her home was a refuge to countless members of the family and community. The door was always open with food on the stove. Her family said her life was as beautiful as the flowers that she loved, and her influence will forever remain in the lives of all who knew her.

She was preceded in death by her husband; four children, Fragust, Michelle, Michael Ray and William Jr. "Bill, The Black Prince"; and 10 siblings, Marlene Brown, Willie Mae Green, Louise Skinner, Pearlie Lamb, Lenda Johnson, CJ Mimms, Viola Murl Spencer, Wilbert, Haywood and Ocie Brown. Survivors include 10 daughters and sons, Dorothy Scott, Carolyn Ayers, Dwayne McKaney, Priscilla McKaney, Annette Gagnon, Keith McKaney, Tammy McDaniel, Reginald McKaney, Cynthia Thornton and Alvin McKaney; four stepchildren; and a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.

Due to COVID-19 concerns and restrictions, limited public viewing from 10 to 10:45 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 4, at J. Warren Funeral Services, Cole & Maud The Gardens Chapel in Casa Grande. Small service immediately following at 11 a.m. for her children.