Helen Marie Causseaux McKinley, 92, of Bonifay, Florida claimed her place in Heaven on Tuesday September 2, 2025, with daughter, Sharon, and Susan by her side at her home of 56 years. She was preceded in death by her husband Thurman W. McKinley and son Warren A. McKinley, parents Ralph K. and Ruby L. Causseaux, and her brothers Ralph K. Causseaux Jr. and James A. Causseaux.
Helen was born September 18, 1932, in Belle Glade, Florida to the late Ralph Causseaux and Ruby (Stallings) Causseaux and grew up there where she graduated from Belle Glade High School and then married Thurman W. McKinley in 1951. The couple later had two children, Sharon and Warren. Helen lost her husband Thurman and 10-year-old son Warren in 1969 in a tragic auto accident. She weathered this storm by quickly assuming the role of a strong independent woman, determined to start a new life for herself and teenage daughter, nearer her parents in Bonifay, Florida.
Helen continued her secretarial career, eventually becoming an admirative secretary with FDOT district office in Chipley Florida. She served in the Legal and Traffic Ops departments until retiring after more than 27 years of merited service, cited with several awards for work on special projects. Her roll became “office mom”.
Beyond her career success she was first and foremost dedicated to her daughter and to her faith, celebrating that deep faith at Shady Grove Baptist church for over 56 years. She held several offices including current ones at her church. While doing this she sent her daughter to pharmacy school and then went to Chipola Jr college herself and graduated with an AS degree. Helen was an avid reader, embroidered baby quilts for the local pregnancy center, loved a good round trip with quality shopping time, kept the church nursery for several years and was the volunteer “rose keeper” at her church. Family was always important to Helen, sending out Happy Birthday cards, keeping in touch, and caring for her aging parents and brother.
Helen is survived by her daughter Sharon McKinley Mitchell of Panama City, Florida, a sister-in-law Shirley Causseaux of Sebring, FL, and several nieces and nephews.
Helen practiced her own advice, which is “look for the silver linings”, especially when
things seem their worst, and she always tried to encourage others. She had compassion for someone in need and tried to help whenever she could. Her favorite way to say goodbye was “be sweet”, so…
Be sweet Mama until I see you again.
The family will receive visitors at a luncheon at Shady Grove Baptist Church from 12-1 pm September 7, 2025 at 1955 Highway 177A Bonifay, FL and from 1-1:30 in the sanctuary before the funeral service at 1:30, followed by interment at the church cemetery ( on site) with Sims Funeral Home directing.
