Toni Michelle McKinney, the daughter of Victor Leon and Lynda Sue (Mansfield) Slape, was born on Dec. 11, 1976 at Danville, Arkansas, and passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on Sept. 4, 2025, at the age of 48 (forever 29).
Toni was united in marriage to Boulder McKinney on May 6, 2000. They recently renewed their wedding vows on the beach for their 25th anniversary. To this union, two children were born: Hunter Don McKinney and Morgan Raine McKinney.
Toni grew up in Centerville, Missouri, moving to Kansas City, Missouri and finally ending in Houston, where she graduated from high school. Toni attended Central Christian College in McPherson, Kansas, receiving her bachelor’s degree in business.
Toni was a faithful and active member of Faith Fellowship Church, where she served as children’s pastor alongside her husband, Boulder. She was also a select member of the infamous Bethany Wells Book Club.
Toni enjoyed reading, going to the beach, reading, spending time with family, reading, attending kids sporting events, training lifeguards, teaching swim lessons, coaching swim teams, going on trips with Boulder, yelling at contestants on Wheel of Fortune and reading.
In April 2025, the City of Houston renamed the municipal pool the “Toni M. McKinney City of Houston Municipal Pool” to honor the impact she had on this community. She started as a lifeguard in 1993, and put in decades of service as a coach, manager, mentor and one of the most respected lifeguard instructors in Missouri. Toni and her family were honored at this special dedication.
She is preceded in death by her grandparents, Ralph Leon and Leota Slape, and Ray and Betty Mansfield; also honorary grandmothers: Madge Elmore and Marcella McKinney.
Surviving are her husband, Boulder; son, Hunter; and daughter, Morgan, all of Houston; her parents, Leon and Lynda Slape of Houston; her sister, Kimberly and husband Chris Abeyta of Colorado and their children: Ciara, Taryn and her husband Scott, and Canyon; sister, Kristy and husband, Joel Childers of Springfield, Missouri and their children Christian and wife Ashley, their son Liam; Faith and Bethel; her father in law, Debo McKinney of Houston; mother-in-law, Sharyn McKinney of Springfield; brother in law, Todd McKinney, and daughter, Alba, of Houston; her aunt/honorary sister, Terri Elmore of Willow Springs; along with a “plethora” of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and special friends. Last but not least, her four-legged faithful canine companion, Sophie.
Toni was instrumental in helping start the YMCA in Hartville, Missouri. Followed by working as the registration director at Texas County Memorial Hospital in Houston. She then began her most rewarding career at Burch Insurance in Houston, where her clients became beloved friends and her co-workers were family.
Toni was a person of strong faith with a never-give-up attitude. Her passion for Christ gave her the ability to fight, overcome and receive her reward. She was not afraid to fail, which made her successful in all areas of her life. Her impact on family, friends and community will leave a lasting legacy. She will be greatly missed.
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will give me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have longed for his appearing.” 2 Timothy 4:7-8
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025, at Faith Fellowship with Pastor Bill Villapiano and Pastor Joel Childers officiating. Visitation will be held from 9 a.m. until the service time on Saturday at the church. Private family inurnment will be in the Pine Lawn Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests donations in Toni’s memory be made to the Hunter and Morgan McKinney Education Fund at Progressive Ozark Bank. Memorial envelopes will also be available at the visitation/service. Services are under the care of Bradford Funeral Home and online condolences may be left at www.bradfordfuneralhome.net.
