Elinor Stonestreet McKee

Elinor Stonestreet McKee, of Brandon, Mississippi, passed away peacefully at home on Monday, August 18, 2025, at the age of 97.

She had a beautiful loving spirit, was self-sacrificing, a sweet smile along with the kindest heart. She did not have a selfish bone in her body. Elinor was dearly loved by family and friends and was a treasure to us all.

She walked a life led by her faith.

Elinor was born in Zemuly, Mississippi, on September 23, 1927, to the late Warren Clifton Stonestreet and Vena Belle Frazure Stonestreet.

She lived in Mississippi for 49 years. Durant is the place she called home where she was the beloved office manager at Dr. Derrick’s office for many years.

Elinor moved to Rockledge, Florida, in 1977, where she worked at the Kennedy Space Center for 19 years before her retirement in 1996. She moved back to Mississippi in 2012 after her husband Lt Col. Ralph McKee, USAF, passed away.

After returning to Mississippi, she became an active member of Ascension Lutheran Church in Jackson. Elinor was proud to be a Lutheran from birth.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Warren Clifton and Vena Belle Stonestreet, husband, Lt. Col. Ralph Dale McKee, USAF, husband, Rodney McKibben, USN; siblings Mary Burrell, Lt. Col. Robert “Stompy” Stonestreet, USAF, Gaylia Wilson, Billy Stonestreet; son-in-law, Gary D. Freeze, and stepson, Ralph D. McKee, Jr.

Survivors include her children, Vicki Freeze, Nicki Johnson (Cheryl), and Lori Sanders (Richard); grandchildren, Jeff Freeze (Lucy), Mark Freeze, Jason Freeze (Kristin), Tony Johnson, Chris Johnson, Kelsey Toon (James), and Hunter Sanders (Rachel); great grandchildren, Ariel Pearce (Blake), Brayden Freeze; sisters-in-law, Mary Catherine Stonestreet and Virginia Stonestreet along with many nieces and nephews.

Besides spending time with her family, Elinor enjoyed playing the bells at church, singing in the choir, making homemade biscuits and banana pudding with her grandchildren. Elinor could be found playing hide and seek with her great grandson Brayden (even while on her walker) and was always cheering at school or sporting events for the grandchildren and even her daughter, Coach Vicki’s, soccer teams.

At age 90, it was still common for her to drive herself to Anytime Fitness, go inside on her walker to exercise.

Elinor was very blessed to have loving caregivers with her at home. The family thanks Carolyn, Abby, Sylvia and LaQuita for their kindness and support.

Visitation is Friday, August 22 from 3:00 - 4:00 pm with a funeral service to follow at 4:00 pm at Ott & Lee Funeral Home at 1360 W. Government St in Brandon, Mississippi.

Elinor will be laid to rest at the South Florida National Cemetery in Wellington, Florida with her late husband Lt. Col. Ralph McKee, USAF.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Ascension Lutheran Church* in Jackson, Mississippi or New Hope Lutheran Church** in Sallis, Mississippi.

*6481 Old Canton Rd, Jackson, MS 39211

**c/o 14258 Bowling Green Rd, Durant, MS 39063