Our beloved Cynthia Ann McKinley, 58, of Vidor, Texas, passed away at 1:55 p.m. on February 15, 2024, at Memorial Hermann Hospital in Houston, Texas after an unexpected medical emergency.

A memorial service will be 1:00 p.m., Saturday, February 24, 2024, at silver Oaks Baptist Church located at 16460 FM 1442 in Orange, Texas. Officiating will be Brother Ed Rawls. She will be interred at Hancock Cemetery in Peachtree, Texas at a later date. She is being cremated, by her wishes so there will be no viewing, but guests will be welcome to come a little early for the services.

Cindy was born in Beaumont, Texas on July 5, 1965. She was the daughter of Jack Harmon Clark and Connie Fedrick Clark. Cindy loved her family. If asked, her proudest accomplishment was being a mother. She cherished her sons, Austin and Aarohn Dixon, and was so proud of them both. The day she married her loving husband, Gene McKinley, was one of the greatest days of her life. A perfect match, they complimented each other in every way as they built a life of love together. The birth of her grandchildren, Axel and Stella Dixon, filled her heart to overflowing. Spending time playing with them was one of her favorite ways to pass the day.

A compassionate and competent respiratory therapist by trade, her true passion was teaching. As an instructor at Lamar Institute of Technology for over 24 years, Cindy touched the lives of countless students. A tribute to her impact on their lives was witnessed by her family as former students from across Southeast Texas came to visit her in the hospital both in Beaumont and in Houston in her final days. Some were even a part of her care team. An active member of the Silver Oaks Baptist Church community, Cindy taught children’s church and volunteered on many occasions. She loved everyone she met and was loved by so many people. She showed numerous people God’s love and compassion, helping everyone that she could. She loved her animals, and took joy in having her dogs, chickens, cat, and her son’s turkeys in the yard.

She is preceded in death by her mother, Connie Clark of Bridge City.

She is survived by her loving husband of 23 years, Gene McKinley; her sons, Austin Dixon, and Aarohn Dixon and his girlfriend, Gabirla Young of Vidor; her grandson, Axel Dixon of Vidor; her granddaughter, Stella Dixon of Vidor; her father, Jack Clark and wife, Sandy of Brookland; her brother, Jack Clark and wife, Susan of Bridge City; and many aunts, uncles, and numerous nieces and nephews, great-nieces and nephews, and great-great nephews.

Serving as pallbearers will be Austin Dixon, Aarohn Dixon, Jack Clark, Jr., and Tyler Clark. Honorary pallbearer will be Axel Dixon.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Orange Christian Services and 5K Ministries.

Cremation will be held under the direction of Claybar Funeral Home in Orange.