Deanna McKay Wilson

Deanna Lee Gorham McKay Wilson passed away on April 20, 2023, after a brief illness. Her final moments were spent peacefully in her home in Austin, TX. Deanna will be dearly missed, and her family asks that she be remembered for the joy she brought to others in life.

Deanna was born in Paris, TX, on January 11, 1938. She married Ronald J. McKay while in High School. They started a family, which would grow to five children. She adored being Mom, Oma, and GiGi. Survivors include her children Diane Cannon (Gary), Mike McKay, Scott McKay, Linda McKay; brother-in-law Richard Kesselus; son-in-law Gary Lockhart; step-children Kevin Wilson (Stephanie), Kristen Gruene and their respective families; grandchildren Sarah Hampton, Jessica Wilson, Stephen Lockhart, Dustin McKay, Jason Lockhart, Daniel Cannon, and Jenna Lockhart. She also leaves behind 14 great-grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and a host of friends. She cherished many close friendships at Village Christian Apartments in Austin, where she lived for the last 12 years.

Deanna was preceded in death by her parents Theresa and Dean Gorham; husband Ronald McKay; sister Betty Kesselus; daughter Susan Lockhart; granddaughter Jennifer Cannon and several beloved furry companions, the latest being her shih tzu, Sir Elton.

Being an avid learner, Mom went back to college in her 50’s. She earned her BA in Philosophy, with a minor in Psychology from University of the Incarnate Word in San Antonio, TX in 1993. She was a great writer and poet and has had several of her poems published.

A memorial service will be held at Weed Corley Fish Funeral Home, 5416 Parkcrest Drive, Austin, TX, on May 20 at 11:00 am. The family will host a reception immediately following at the same location.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to one of mom’s favorite charities: Austin Humane Society, American Cancer Society, or American Heart Association.