Heather McKinney
(February 26, 1973 – March 21, 2025)
Heather McKinney, 52, of Conway, Arkansas, stepped into the presence of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Friday, March 21, 2025. Her life was a testament to unwavering faith in God, boundless love for others, and confident hope in the promise of eternal life that comes through knowing Jesus Christ. She was an example of tireless dedication to children, both in the church and in the court system.
For the past ten years, Heather faithfully served as one of the children’s pastors at Fellowship Bible Church in Conway while also working as an ad litem advocate, championing the rights of children in the Arkansas courts. Her passion for guiding and protecting young lives was the center of both her ministry and career.
Born in Dallas, Texas, on February 26, 1973, Heather had a deep love for the Natural State’s beauty—spending countless hours exploring its rivers, creeks, mountains, and trails with dear friends and her crotchety dog, Bailey. After earning her law degree from the Bowen School of Law in 2005, she practiced as an attorney but soon discovered her true calling—advocating for children. Whether in the courtroom or the church, Heather devoted herself wholeheartedly to nurturing, guiding, and protecting young hearts. Heather was instrumental in the start-up and development of STOPDV in 2019 where she represented Petitioners in their Order of Protection cases.
Known affectionately as “Miss Heather,” she touched the lives of countless children at Fellowship Bible Church, introducing them to Jesus, teaching them the Bible, preparing them for baptism, and giving them endless opportunities to serve. Her influence shaped a generation, and her legacy of love and faithfulness will live on in the many lives she impacted.
Heather was predeceased in death by her mother, Regina McKinney, and grandparents, Enon "Clem" and Margaret Clements. She is survived by her brother, Andy McKinney; brother, Paul McKinney, and his wife, Kasey; nephews Brian, Michael, and Ryan; niece, Megan; and her great-nieces, Callie, Maliegh, and Brynlea. She is also lovingly remembered by her aunts, Sandra Hardage (Jim), Brenda Magee (Gary), and Marcia Clements, along with many cousins. Additionally, she leaves behind her cherished friends: Heather Fulmer, Jenny Jackson, Hope Mullins, Sheena Olson, Amy Johnson, Tiff Paeschke, and Kassidy Youngblood.
Though our hearts grieve, we do so with the assurance that Heather is now in the presence of her Savior—free from pain and filled with eternal joy. Her work was not in vain, and the seeds of faith and love she planted will continue to bear fruit for years to come. We are forever grateful for the example she set and the impact she made.
A Memorial Service to honor and celebrate Heather’s life will be held at Fellowship Bible Church on Saturday, March 29, at 10:00 a.m.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Czech Mission Fund (Kids or Youth) at Fellowship Bible Church (
https://tinyurl.com/34bmp6hy
).