Vera Lee McKoy was born in Lee County, North Carolina on October 10, 1924, to Delilah and John McLean. She entered eternal rest and received her heavenly wings on February 16, 2026 peacefully surrounded by family.

In her 101 years, Mother McKoy watched the world evolve and embraced each season with grace. She picked cotton in the fields with her father and seven siblings. She lived to see the first African American president. At an early age, Mother McKoy’s mom passed, and she became the cook and homemaker of the family, while her siblings continued to work in the cotton fields. She attended Lee County Training School in North Carolina. She was the loving mother of eight children, whom she raised with strength, faith, and devotion. Her life carried her from Sanford, North Carolina to Ohio, and in time, she settled in Baltimore, Maryland, where she made her home.

Mother McKoy was a strong, African American woman, with a heart of gold. She was very soft-spoken and did not say much, but when she did, it was time to listen. She was loved by many who looked up to her and affectionately called her Mom, Momma, Grandma, Granny, and Mother McKoy. She was truly special to so many people. She is known for sending $20 inside birthday cards, especially during tough times when it was needed most. Her grandchildren loved going to her house for good, home-cooked food and the love that always came with it. She also loved laughing when she saw herself in silly camera filters, bringing smiles to everyone around her. Mother McKoy would give you her last when anyone was in need. If you asked her “why,” her response would be “I remember when someone helped me.” When asked how she did it, she would smile softly and say, “Put God first and take it one day at a time.” In her final years, she was lovingly cared for by her daughter and son-in-law, and her face would light up whenever family and friends came to visit. At her 100th birthday celebration, she entered a room full of loved ones, not knowing they had gathered to celebrate her, and was deeply touched when she realized the celebration was for her.

She was the Mother of the Garden of Prayer Christian Church. She served on the Mother’s Board, Senior Ministry, and the Senior Usher Board. She loved the fellowship with the Senior Ministry on Wednesdays and dearly loved the Garden of Prayer Christian Church. A faithful servant of the Lord, she lived her life with kindness and devotion. Her favorite scriptures were Psalm 23 and Psalm 24:1. Even if she could not physically make it to church, she would be at home watching the live stream. Her legacy of love, faith, and kindness will live on through all who knew her.

Mother McKoy was preceded in death by her parents, Delilah Buie McLean and John McLean; her husband, James Mckoy Jr.; her children, Brenda Heath, James McLean, Curtis McKoy, and Geraldine McKoy; and her siblings, James McLean, Nannie McLean, Herman McLean, Mildred McLean White, Mollie McLean, Joe McLean,  and John McLean.

She leaves to cherish her loving memory her devoted daughter, Patricia Williams; her son-in-law, Roger Williams; her sons, Eddie McLean, John McKoy, and Jessie McKoy; her cherished grandchildren, Charelle Barnes (Carroll), Theressa Williams, Christopher McLean (Kishana), James McLean Jr. (Alison), Michelle Boddy (Vincent), John McKoy Jr., and Charles McLean; 14 great-grandchildren; 3 great-great-grandchildren; 1 goddaughter, Pastor Darlene Tiller; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and her loving church family.