Mercedes McKinney

February 13, 1986 - February 5, 2021

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Calhoun Funeral Home Rockside Road

23000 Rockside Rd.

Bedford Heights, OH 44146

440-232-9758 |

Saturday 3/13, 3:33 pm

Private

Mercedes Denise Wilson McKinney, a.k.a. Mertee, was a loving wife, daughter, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend. She left this world on February 5, 2021.

Mercedes loved sports, running cross country, and playing varsity basketball with The Crew at Orange High School, and intramural dodgeball and softball with her Washington Hall friends at Ohio University. She enrolled herself and her husband in karate classes at the Cleveland Heights Community Center and took her cousins to Cumberland Pool, giving them confidence to pass the swim test. She was filled with energy—and she left it all on the dance floor.

Mertee was a natural communicator. Whether performing at Stagecrafters Youth Theater, speaking at the Model U.N. in high school, hosting a dating show in college, soliciting donations for the Cleveland International Film Festival, or holding court amongst friends and strangers alike, Mert never had any trouble commanding the attention of any room.

She loved to travel the world, making her way to Japan, Australia, Spain, Italy, Ireland, the Caribbean, and all over North America. She was constantly in awe of new experiences, and loved meeting new people.

Mertee is known for many things: the way her beautiful smile and tenacious affection could warm the coldest hearts; the way children gravitated toward her. She was obsessed with trying every new drinking fountain and rated each on her own 30-point scale (factoring in flow, temperature, taste, and overall experience). Her favorite color was orange, but her real favorite color was tie dye.

Mercedes insisted there was no limit to how many “best” friends one could have, and she had many who will miss her dearly.

Mercedes is survived by her husband, Paul; her parents, Gail and Lawrence Wilson; her sister, Kelley Britt; her brother Lawrence Wilson; her in-laws Greg (Jamie) McKinney, Jill (Jerry) Jividen and Morgan (Bryan) Paul; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, and best friends.

A private memorial service is scheduled for 3/13 at 3:33pm at Calhoun Funeral Home at 23000 Rockside Rd. in Bedford Heights, OH 44146 and will be live streamed at calhounfuneral.com. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeast Ohio on her behalf.

Calhoun Funeral Home & Cremation Service

Megan Johnson

Natalia & Scott Weaver

Mark 'Indy' Kochte

Marie Yearling

Benjamin Brenot

Loralea Allen

Gaye Santoro

Kiran Rajagopalan

CHERYL A HAYNES

Mallory Bowes

michael c thompson

Calhoun Funeral Home Rockside Road

23000 Rockside Rd.

Bedford Heights, OH 44146

440-232-9758 | Map

Saturday 3/13, 3:33 pm

Private

Mercedes Denise Wilson McKinney, a.k.a. Mertee, was a loving wife, daughter, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend. She left this world on February 5, 2021. Mercedes loved sports, running cross country, and playing varsity basketball with The Crew at Orange High School, and intramural dodgeball and softball with her Washington Hall friends at Ohio University. SheContinue Reading

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Its been one year since Mert left us and things haven't gotten any easier. When they say the good die young they were literally talking about Mercedes. She was the kindest person ever. She is missed very dearly and I think of her often. I will you se again my friend. Save a space in Heaven for me girl.

I am Mercedes uncle Kenneth. I loved her as much as any uncle could and does. I knew her mostly thru her father's eyes and the times I spent around her during family events and just lately Facebook. For those that knew her closely she was and Impath very giving, warm, loving, non judgemental and pleasant. During those most precious times spent with her you no what she would have asked of you. I'm not saying what you should do with that. That is up to you. But try not to make her time spent with you a waist. I will miss her dearly. I have made it a habit when I hug a love one when leaving their presence to try to whisper in their ear "LOVE YOU"

Thank you for leaving us with an abundance of warm memories and making us all better (and happier) people, Mercedes. You will be loved, missed, and fondly remembered.

In memory of Mercedes McKinney, Megan Johnson lit a candle

Praying for you all in this tough time. Mertee was such a bubbly super-loving person. We had so much fun together at the beach, at OU and OWU (once each, but hey), in NE Ohio! Swimming, brunching, Chicken or the Egg, fun times at night, so many laughs. She was a friend to so many and my heart is broken for you all as you grieve.

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

I will love you to the stars and back. Shine brightly and on to the next adventure

Mercedes will always be remembered with love and respect in my world.

In memory of Mercedes McKinney, Natalia & Scott Weaver lit a candle

Michelle and I are very sorry for your loss. You are and have been in our thoughts.

Dear Wilson and Mckinney family, Mercedes loved you so much. She is a beautiful soul. When my baby girl grows up, I wish for her to be a friend, and have a friend, just like Mercedes. Sincerely, Marie

Mercedes, it was an absolute joy to know you. The love and positivity you've brought to mine so many peoples' lives can never be fully described in words. You are loved and missed greatly.

Dear Paul and Jill, Your words were very beautiful todayl. I vividly remember when Mercedes came for dinner when I was visiting many years ago with my son, Aidan. Such a beautiful smile and warm hug. Paul, I am very sorry for your loss. I remember when we met and you were quite young. So even though we are miles apart and do not know each other well as adults, I am sending you my prayers each day. There is a special prayer when I chant when I remember those who have died, and I think of Mercedes. As it was so eloquently said today, let us celebrate this amazing woman by loving fiercely each and every day. Much love, Izzy

I will miss you and your wonderful personality. I am grateful to have met you and will carry your love of love and art till my dying day.

Beloved Merdi...sweet Mercedes. Your light is missed your life was cherished. Thank you for being a precious part of our lives. With love Marilynne and Matthew

Mercedes was an amazing woman with so much energy and happiness. My deepest sympathies to the family she was a part of my family

Mercedes was such a dear soul...always full of life, generous smiles, and a heart for others. She was exuberant and joyful, and her laughter spread light to all. Mercedes had a way of making you feel important as she spoke with you, and she always left you knowing that you had made a meaningful connection with her. I will deeply miss her lovely, gentle spirit.

Mercede's smile and spirit will be missed by so many. God bless her and each of you.

My heart breaks for the whole family. Mercedes was a lovely young women.

It has been years since I last saw you, but thank you for being a friend when I needed it the most...rest well Mercedes.

We'll see you on the flip side of life Mertee. I'll never forget when the Open Door after school guardian referred to you and I as a Mercedes-Benz back in kindergarten. You were a ball of lightning and your energy and spirit will linger in all of us until we meet again. Go Lions. Go Orange.

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

In memory of Mercedes McKinney, CHERYL A HAYNES lit a candle

I will love and miss you forever.

Mercedes lit up any room she was in. She welcomed and made me feel comfortable and grateful for her friendship

Mercedes so full of life and love. My deepest condolences for your loss.

Mercedes you are always in my Heart and you are now with the Lord. You had such a warm spirit and innocence about you. My Prayers continues Daily for the Family during this Difficult time. Cousin Marcia

I send my deepest condolences to the family during these times.

You will always be in my heart. You were such a beautiful soul who always had a wonderful smile for everyone. Such warmer. I will think of you always.

Miss you

You will be missed

Mercedes had that go-for-it spirit that was so lovable and exciting to be around. So many of her observations Were spot on and these translated into stories and impersonations that left us wanting more. Mercedes will be missed beyond measure, but that spirit lives in my heart forever.

In memory of Mercedes McKinney, MARION MATHIS lit a candle

Dear Gail and Family, I will continue to keep you and your family in prayer. Continue holding on to God's Unchanging Hand, hold on to loving memories of Mercedes and hold on to each other during this difficult time. Mercedes was a ray of Sunshine and her beautiful smile will be missed. Love you cuz. Kim Sheppard

How lucky we are to have known Mercedes, if only for a short time. One week was all we had, and what an impact she made! Such a loving, bubbly young woman who warmed our hearts with her presence. Our love and thoughts are with all of her family and her many friends.

In memory of Mercedes McKinney, Cynthia Harmon lit a candle

Mercedes was one of my oldest and dearest friends. I will miss her bright smile and big spirit. She was truly one of a kind. May her memory be a blessing.

I will never forget the first time I met you, and your smile playing hacky sack at OU. We all will miss you so much! It is my hope you are at Peace Mercedes, and the Padgett’s send prayers, and positive thoughts to you and your family. ❤️
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Kelly you have my deepest condolences may God continue to keep you bless you and your family

The world lost a beautiful soul. Sending all our love to her friends and family.

In memory of Mercedes McKinney, William Tarter Jr lit a candle

My deepest condolences to family and friends. ??

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

Mr and Mrs Wilson, and Larry Sending my thoughts prayers and deepest condolences. Love always, Lindsay Lewis

In memory of Mercedes McKinney, Jenifer Johnston lit a candle

In memory of Mercedes McKinney, Jodie Racioppo lit a candle

Our sincere condolences to the Wilson family. We loved Mercedes and always enjoy having her around she always had a smile on her face and always had a joke or two. Her and Leanne were the best of friends. Mercedes will truly be missed. Tom & Cathie Tyrrell

I'm so deeply saddened for everyone's loss. She was an amazing person and she will be missed. I'm eternally grateful for the time I got to spend with such a kind soul.

In memory of Mercedes McKinney, Leanne Tyrrell lit a candle

In memory of Mercedes McKinney, Sara and Beth Gelender lit a candle

Very fond memories of Mercedes. That smile will live in our hearts forever. To Gail & family. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

Once you meet Mercedes, you never forget her! She was truly a special lady and we will miss her.

In memory of Mercedes McKinney, Lauren lit a candle

Keeping you and the family in my prayers Kelly.

My prayers are with all of you. Mercedes will always shine in my heart.

Mercedes was loved by so many people. She had this way of making everyone feel special. So many lives were enriched by having her in it, and her memory will live on in all of us.

Mercedes had a passion for life and all people she encountered! Her love of the Cleveland International Film Festival is how I will remember her. She was fun and loving in everything she did! I wish her family peace as they reflect on their memories of her joyful attitude and appreciation of all others she encountered!

Mercedes will be truly be missed by all of her friends. She was a bright light and kite up a room with her presence and energy. ❤️

Immensely sorry for the loss of an amazing soul. It was a pleasure knowing her and experiencing her light and love. May she Rest In Peace and find the happiness deserves.