Librada (Lilly) Balli Mckinley

Lilly was born February 28, 1918 in Brownsville, TX. to Primitivo and Hortensia Balli.

She was pre-deceased by her husband, Gene G. McKinley and son, Michael David McKinley; parents, Primitivo and Hortensia Balli; brother, Juan Manuel Balli and sisters, Carmen Rodriguez, Mary “Maria Luisa” Allen and foster sister, Maria Elena Garcia.

Left behind to eternally treasure their memories of her is her sister, Estella Balli de Torre and her niece and caretaker, MaryLou Allen Davis and husband, Floyd Davis of Brownsville, TX. She is also survived by her nephew, Charles B. Allen of Katy, TX. and nieces, Estella Von Hatten, Sylvia Gomez, Carmela Caquias, Lydia Rodriguez and foster nephew, David L. Zepeda. Several great and great-great nephews and nieces also survive her.

Lilly was deeply loved and will be missed by all those whose lives she touched. She had deep faith, trust and love in the Lord. She was a member of First Baptist Church in Brownsville, TX. and a former member of Rice Temple Baptist Church in Houston, TX.

Lilly was an avid reader and enjoyed playing scrabble with her friends. She was a member of NARFE and was a Mall Walker for many years. She loved to travel and took many trips to Mexico and Florida with friends. After her retirement she stayed active and taught aerobic classes to senior citizens at the “Y” in Houston.

Lilly graduated in 1937 from Brownsville High School and attended R&M Business School. Upon graduating she worked for the American Consulate, in Matamoros, Mexico for several years and then began her career with the U.S. Marshals Service in Brownsville, TX. she then transferred to the Houston office where she retired in June 30, 1979 after 32 years of service.

The family will receive friends from at 10:00 am to 2:00 pm on Wednesday, October 12, 2011 at Funeraria del Angel Buena Vista. A chapel service will commence at 2:00 pm.

Private burial will be in Houston, Tx.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts in Lilly’s memory may be made to the First Baptist School or The First Baptist Church of Brownsville, TX.

The family would like to offer our deepest gratitude to Lilly’s dear friend, Betty Landreth who was a regular visitor and would read psalms and scripture to her. Having Betty as a friend brought a great deal of joy to Lilly. Her church family and Pastor Steve Dorman from first Baptist church also devoted much of their time visiting and sending cards and singing to Lilly. She was blessed to have these special friends in her life.

We would also like to give a Special “thank you” to Dr. Francis Gumbel and the staff of Spanish Meadows Assisted Living and Nursing Home for the loving care they gave Lilly.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Funeraria Del Angel Buena Vista, cemetery and mausoleum. 125 McDavitt Blvd., Brownsville, Tx 78521 (956) 541-5400. Dignity Memorial Provider.