Darline McKay

Teressa 'Darline' Milliorn McKay was born on June 7, 1961, in Mineola, Texas to Benny and Thelma Milliorn. She passed away on August 20, 2026 at Hospice of East Texas. Darline graduated from John Tyler High School in Tyler, Texas. She later married the love of her life, Ron McKay, on September 11, 1999, in Mount Selman, Texas.

Darline lived life with joy, purpose, and a heart for others. She found great happiness in helping people, spending time with her husband Ron, and embracing the adventures that came with being a proud Parrothead and loyal friend. Some of her favorite memories were made near the water, especially in Galveston, where she felt most at home.

Those fortunate enough to know Darline experienced her unwavering loyalty, generous spirit, and servant's heart. She touched countless lives through her more than 20-year career in veterinary medicine, where her compassion for both clients and their beloved pets was evident every day. She was an invaluable member of a hardworking clinical team, sharing a special bond with her coworkers and earning the respect and admiration of all who knew her.

Darline is survived by her husband, Ron McKay; stepdaughter, Courtney McKay; special bonus son, Derek Dowdle; nieces Dani Hart, Sassy Phillips, Bethany Snow, and Amanda Enright; nephew Joseph Rodriguez; and countless cousins and friends who loved her dearly. She was preceded in death by her father, Benny Milliorn; her mother, Thelma Milliorn; and her sister, Polly Phillips.

As Darline begins her next journey in Heaven, she leaves behind a legacy of kindness, laughter, friendship, and living life to its fullest. While she will be deeply missed, she would undoubtedly want those she loved to carry on with a smile. In true Darline fashion, she leaves us with one final reminder: "Smile, and Bubbles Up."

And in the words of her beloved Jimmy Buffett:

"Some of it's magic, some of it's tragic, but I had a good life all the way."

Services will be held on Sunday, August 30, 2026, at Bella Vista Lake Palestine, located at 22525 Hwy 155 S, Flint, TX. Visitation will begin at 1:00 p.m., followed by a Celebration of Life at 2:00 p.m. A reception will follow the service. Guests are welcome to bring their beverage of choice. Water and tea will be provided.

In lieu of flowers, the McKay family requests that memorial donations be made to the Paws With Purpose Program through the Mission House of Bullard. For more information, please contact Jeni Ramsey at 903-245-4210.