Julia Mae "Billy" McKinney, known affectionately as Julia McKinney, passed away peacefully on April 17, 2025, at the age of 85 in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Born on April 14, 1940, in Broken Bow, Oklahoma.

A proud 1959 graduate of Broken Bow High School, Julia's early commitment to education paved the way for a lifetime of service and accomplishment. For twenty-six years, she served the Choctaw Nation as an Office Manager, a role in which her organizational skills and warm personality were a cornerstone of community administration. Julia's deep connection to her heritage was further exemplified in her fluency in the Choctaw language, an integral part of her identity. She was honored as the Choctaw Nation Elder of the Year in 2005. In 2024, Julia achieved a crowning acknowledgment as a First Language speaker, recognized for being among the earliest to learn and perpetuate the Choctaw language. Julia's spiritual life was deeply rooted in the Oka Achukma Presbyterian Church and served as a commissioned Lay Preacher for the Choctaw Agency. She was also an active member of the Choctaw Nation Senior Citizen.

Her personal interests were as varied as they were rich. Julia took great joy in cooking, known for Banaha making an art through which she expressed love and tradition, often sharing her table and recipes with others. Sewing and crafts were not just hobbies but expressions of her creativity and attention to detail, each stitch and brushstroke a part of her legacy. Music held a special place in her heart.   Above all, Julia cherished the time spent with her grandchildren, supporting their activities and nurturing their growth.

She is preceded in death by her mother, Gracie Billy; her husband, John McKinney Jr.; son, Alan Dean McKinney; son-in-law, Willard Frazier and great-great granddaughter, Kynzlie Wells.

Julia leaves to cherish her memory her children, Lyndon Karl McKinney and Janis of Watson, Sandra Frazier of Broken Bow, Rev. Ronald McKinney and Danelle of Lawrence, KS, Carla Sanders, Marissa Baker and Patrick all of Broken Bow; grandchildren, Stephanie, Lyndon Jr, Johnathan, Steven, Reannon, Keith, Micah, Latrisha, Amber, Michelle, Alethia, Madison, Ronston, Shawn, Moneka, Erica, Alizah and Tyra; thirty-nine great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; sisters-in-law, Ida Haddock and Manda Brown of Idabel; special cousin, Elsie Hicks of Broken Bow; special friend, Rev. Gene Wilson of Lawton, OK; a host of nieces, nephews; other relatives and friends.

The family will receive friends from 5-7 PM, Sunday, April 20, 2025 at Bunch-Singleton Funeral Home Chapel.

Funeral Services are set for 10:00 AM, Monday, April 21, 2025 at Oka Achukma Presbyterian Church, Broken Bow, OK with Rev. Ronald McKinney officiating. Interment to follow at Oka Achukma Cemetery, Broken Bow, OK.