Sylvester McKinney was born August 17, 1945, in Tate County Mississippi to the late Louis McKinney and Marie Robinson McKinney.

Sylvester moved to Chicago, IL in the early 1970's.

He professed hope in Jesus Christ and Joined Gayles Memorial Baptist Church.

He enjoyed watching westerns, as one of his favorites was Gunsmoke. He also had a love for fried chicken (KFC) and cheeseburgers.

On Thursday, January 16, 2025, he answered the call of his Master and quietly slept away at Ascension Mercy Hospital in Aurora, IL.

Sylvester leaves to cherish his loving memory two sisters, Velma McKinney of Aurora, IL and Patricia McKinney McClarty of Fort Wayne, IN; two brothers, Amis (Dorothy) McKinney, Booker (Bearlan) McKinney of Aurora, IL. He also leaved behind aunts, host of nieces, nephews, friends and close cousins he resided with for over 40 years, Jannie Lester and the Lester family in Chicago, IL.

Sylvester was preceded in death by his parents Louis McKinney and Marie Robinson McKinney, two brothers Robert McKinney and Roosevelt McKinney and two sisters Janice McKinney and Yvonnie McKinney Walker and his special friends Henry Lester and Wardell Brim Sr.