Caroyln Torr McKinney

Carolyn Torr Mckinney, 89, of Tulsa passed away peacefully and went home to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on November 5th, 2026. She will be deeply missed by her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and friends.

Carolyn was born September 28th, 1937 in Tulsa to early day Tulsans, Arthur Donald Torr and Romayne Black Torr. Carolyn graduated from Central High School in 1956. She attended Lindenwood College and went on to graduate from the University of Tulsa where she was a member of the Kappa Alpha Theta Sorority.

She resided in Oklahoma until she married the love of her life, John Miracle Mckinney, who grew up in Okemah, Oklahoma. They ventured all over the country for his career while fulfilling her desire to be a homemaker. She loved living in various cities with her family of five and the unique opportunities it afforded them. Carolyn returned in 1976 to Tulsa after John’s premature death where she raised their three children surrounded by her family of origin.

It was in these early years when she began her career at Monte Cassino in the administration office that spanned twenty-two years until she retired in 2001. This school quickly became her beloved “community” and “happy place” even after her daughters had graduated. She thoroughly enjoyed seeing both her grandchildren and now great grandchildren attend this special school. After she retired from Monte Cassino, she stayed busy volunteering at St. Francis, Ronald McDonald House, and the Assistance League of Tulsa.

“Faith and Family” were what defined Carolyn.

Carolyn was a woman of great faith. She pursued her relationship with Christ amongst other believers at Asbury Church. This is where she raised her three children and has been an active member. She delighted in sitting in the pew as of recent with many of her family members of three generations. During her last few years, she took to heart pastor Andrew Forrest’s charge that “As long as you have breath in your lungs, God is not yet finished with you.” She happily took his message and helped the children’s ministry with various tasks even when she was home-bound.

Family was everything to Carolyn. Her greatest joy was spending time and serving her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. She modeled a generous way of living to all of them with her love, time and resources. She highly valued “making memories” and this was evident by time spent at her Grand Lake cabin, annual beach trips, and a trip with each grandchild when they turned twelve. She too “showed up” at all the sporting events, plays, and never saying no to anything she was invited to be a part of if it meant being with her family. At age 89, you could find her on the sidelines of her great grandchild’s soccer games.

Carolyn was preceded in death by her husband, John Miracle McKinney, Arthur Donald Torr (father), Romayne Black Torr (mother), Barbara Ford (sister), Beverly Torr, (sister). Her faith, spirit, life, legacy, and influence will forever remain in the hearts of her children, Don (Melinda) McKinney, Carol (Dan) Roberts, Kathy (Jim) Anderson. Her grandchildren, J.D. (Sawyer) Roberts, Katie (Abel) Resendez, Austin (Leif) Knippers, Walker (Zoe) McKinney, Wes (Gale) Duke, Maggie (Logan) Strech, Emily (Nick) Wagener, Caroline Duke. Her great-grandchildren, Lily and Tomas Resendez, Layne and Hadlee Roberts, Lydia Strech, Kathryn Knippers, Wren Wagener. The families of her three nieces, Leslie (John) Stebbins, Donna Hovis, and Torry (Jason) Turnbow. The family would like to thank the precious women who cared for Carolyn with such love, joy, and tenderness during her last two years at home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: Assistance League of Tulsa - 5350 E. 31st Street Tulsa, OK 74135