Autumn McKinney
Sept. 3, 1998 - Nov. 13, 2024
In Loving Memory of Autumn Jenai Joy McKinney September 3, 1998 – November 13, 2024 It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Autumn Jenai Joy McKinney, on November 13, 2024, after her battle with brain cancer. While her time with us was heartbreakingly short, Autumn’s light, her warmth, and her endless capacity for love have left an indelible mark on all who knew her. Born to Wilderness Rose (Jerilyn) Harris and Josh McKinney, Autumn was a quiet but vibrant soul whose sparkle could fill any room. Her eyes, always alive with wonder and kindness, reflected the heart of a dreamer and a giver. Autumn’s creativity shone in everything she touched, whether she was sketching, writing songs, capturing the world through her camera, or strumming her guitar. She collected leaves and flowers like treasures, seeing beauty in the simplest things and preserving it to share with others. Autumn will always have a special place in the heart of her parents, her stepmother Jennifer L. McKinney, her sister Sandrina McKinney, and her step brothers Cody and Cole Pearsall. She was loved deeply by her grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins. She always made it a priority to attend family gatherings. Autumn had the incredible gift of being able to make everyone she knew feel like they had a very special relationship with her. Autumn lived fully and without hesitation, embracing the grand adventures of life. She explored new corners of the world, scaled rock faces, hiked trails, and found freedom in riding her motorcycle. She shared her love of sports—soccer, volleyball, and climbing—with boundless energy, reminding us all to play as fiercely as we love. Her compassion was the kind that could move mountains. Whether nurturing children as a preschool teacher or simply being there for a friend, Autumn gave of herself without question or expectation. Even in her final days, while her body ached and her strength waned, she made the journey to San Diego to be with friends and loved ones. Her determination to bring light to others never wavered, even in the face of her own pain. Autumn had a way of creating family wherever she went. Her "adopted moms and dads" were countless, and her presence brought joy and laughter to every table. She reminded us that family isn’t just about who you’re born to, but about the love and connection you create together. We grieve the loss of our daughter, sister, friend, and dreamer—a life filled with so much promise and yet still, somehow, so complete. Though her earthly journey has ended, her spirit continues in the lives she touched, the hearts she loved, and the stories we’ll share about her. Autumn taught us to live fully, love fiercely, and treasure every moment. We honor her by carrying her lessons forward—by finding beauty in the world, holding close the people we care about, and giving more than we take. Autumn, you are forever loved and missed. May you rest in peace, your spirit as free and radiant as ever. Autumn's celebration of life will be held on December 21, 2024, 2 p.m. at The Waldorf School of San Diego. 3547 Altadena Ave., San Diego, CA 92105 Donations in honor of Autumn can be made to Waldorf Scholarship Fund where Autumn went to school for 11 years and developed confidence and a love learning https://waldorfsandiego.org/giving/ways-to-give/ or Camp Sealth where she worked in the summers in Washington with horses and children to inspire and enable youth of all backgrounds and abilities to discover their spark, value the natural world, and become tomorrow’s leaders, today. https://campfireseattle.org/donate/
