Novella McKinnon, 98, of Virginia Beach, passed away peacefully on May 15, 2026, at Ghent Rehabilitation and Nursing Center, surrounded by her loving family. Ms. Novella passed away from complications following a fall and hip fracture.
Born on May 13, 1928, in Fayetteville, she was the beloved daughter of the late Hattie Bell Wilson and Ollie McKinnon.
Novella was a devoted homemaker and faithful member of Messiah Presbyterian Church. Known lovingly by everyone as “MaMa,” she was a woman whose kindness, compassion, and unconditional love touched all who knew her. Her greatest joy in life was her family, whom she loved deeply with all her heart and soul.
MaMa was a strong woman of faith who lived by the words of scripture: “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you” (Luke 6:31 and Matthew 7:12). She believed in treating everyone with love, dignity, and respect, and her gentle spirit left a lasting impression on countless lives.
She is survived by her loving children, Sonya Clark, Steven McKinnon, and Debra Law; her cherished grandchildren, Shawn Leigh, Cameron Clark, Shannon Leigh, Tumiko McKinnon, Kima Glasper, Mannalitoe McKinnon, and Steven McKinnon Jr.; and her beloved great-granddaughter, Kaylah Leigh-Colon, and great-great-grandson Christopher Colon Jr.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by James McKinnon.
Novella “MaMa” McKinnon will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all who were blessed to know and love her.
