The community of 19th and Madison’s Mt. Zion Baptist Church is in mourning this week after the passing of the church’s “First Lady.” Louise McKinney, wife of the Rev. Samuel McKinney, died earlier this month at the age of 82. Thursday night will bring a celebration of her life from 7-9p at First Hill’s Town Hall. On Friday, Louise’s “homegoing” at Mt. Zion is expected to draw hundreds to its 11a ceremony. Here is more from our sister site Central District News on McKinney’s life:

(Image: Mt. Zion)

Mrs. McKinney may have just celebrated her 82nd birthday in July, but she remained vibrant through the many hugs, smiles and stories from the church’s children every Sunday.  In fact, children and youth had a special place in Mrs. McKinney’s heart.  As a former educator, she was very interested in the academic achievement of every child. She always focused strongly on their grades and began a scholarship ministry, which has given several hundred thousand dollars in higher education scholarships to date.

As someone who discovered the arts at a young age, Mrs. McKinney also encouraged children to explore the arts.  Some young girls came to love Mrs. McKinney not only for her joyous, caring spirit, but for her elegant sense of style and fashion.

Mrs. McKinney was also very involved in the community. There is probably not a regional politician who hasn’t heard her name.  A savvy businesswoman, she co-owns a number of businesses at the Seatac Airport which included a partnership with the Hudson News Enterprises.