Mrs. Will Ella McKay was born on May 27, 1919 to Harvey and Peggy (Bass) Boyd in Louise, Mississippi. She grew up and was educated in the Mississippi School District. She confessed a hope in Christ in 1932.

In November of 1962, she moved to East St. Louis, Illinois. She united with Mt. Tabor Baptist Church of Centreville, Illinois.
Mrs. McKay never worked outside of the home. However, she stayed busy taking care of her family and home. She loved to work in her garden and do canning and quilting.

She was preceded in death by her husband, J.C. McKay, daughters, Geraldine McKay and Marilyn Wilson.

Mrs. Will Ella McKay made her transition from her earthly home on Sunday, December 11, 2016 in Belleville, Illinois. She leaves to cherish her memory her children, Coleman Boyd, Arthur (Pairlee) Thompson, William (Margaret) McKay, Annie Pearl (Bobby) Broaden, George McKay and Linda (Tyrone) Hunter; 19 grandchildren; 34 great-grandchildren; 13 great-great grandchildren; numerous great-great-great grandchildren; and a host of other relatives and friends.