Scarlett Daelynn McKinley

Scarlett Daelynn McKinley, age 14 of Amarillo, died suddenly on March 8, 2026, in Amarillo

The funeral will be on Monday, March 16, 2026, at 2:00 PM at Hillside Christian Church West Chapel, 6100 S. Soncy. The Rev. Cade Cobb will officiate.

Scarlett was born on August 16, 2011, in Amarillo, Texas, to Nathan McKinley and Jessica James. She was a bright, independent, and beautiful young lady whose favorite color was blue. Although she had a quiet demeanor, she could be a mighty force to be reckoned with.

Scarlett had a smile that could light up a room. It was warm, genuine, and impossible not to return. Her long, beautiful eyelashes framed her bright eyes and were one of the many features people remembered about her. When she smiled, those eyelashes seemed to flutter and sparkle, making her expressions even more unforgettable.

She was a talented wrestler for West Plains, who proudly captained and led her team. Scarlett was eagerly looking forward to high school wrestling and all the accomplishments that lay ahead.

Children were naturally drawn to her, and she adored them in return. Scarlett dreamed of one day working in pediatrics so she could care for and help young children.

She was met in heaven by her two grandmothers, LaDonna James and Kay Harrell; and her cousin Elliston James.

Scarlett is survived by her mother, Jessica Turner; her father, Nathan McKinley; her sister, Cadence McKinley; her grandfather, Robert James of Skellytown; her aunt Tamara Richards and husband Chad of McLean; her uncle, Quinton James and wife Payton of Central City, Kentucky; her cousins, Ryder Richards, Carson Brown, Anniston and Easton James; her faithful and loving sheltie, Apollo; and many other loving family members and cherished friends.