McKinnon
DECATUR, Ga. — Cynthia Bawkin McKinnon, 76, passed away Sunday, June 14, 2026, at Emory Decatur Hospital following a brief illness.
Mrs. McKinnon was born in Budd Lake, New Jersey to the late Stephen John Bawkin, Sr. and Gertrude Mary Novak Bawkin. She attended St. Joseph Academy, graduated from Ware County High School, and was a long-time member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Waycross and later, St. Thomas More Catholic Church in Decatur.
A woman of many talents, Mrs. McKinnon brought her signature passion and unmistakable energy to every professional pursuit throughout her life. While the bulk of her career was spent pouring 20 years of dedication into her role as plant manager for Proko Industries, she also enjoyed running her family-owned convenience store and providing frontline comfort to patients as a CNA.
Beyond her professional life, Mrs. McKinnon possessed an immense love for animals and a deep compassion for all creatures. She dedicated countless hours to rescue work, volunteering tirelessly so that animals in need could find a safe, loving home.
Her devotion ran deep ... wanting others to treasure their pets as much as she did. Mrs. McKinnon partnered with cherished friends to teach obedience and run a grooming business out of her home in Hoboken.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved daughter, Nikki Adams Nadeau; and her dear brother, Stephen John Bawkin, Jr.
Mrs. McKinnon is survived by her lifetime partner of 48 years, Burrell McKinnon of Waycross; her daughter, Stacie McKinnon McAdam and husband Sears of Atlanta; five grandchildren, Ashleigh “Nic” Nadeau (Hayden), Mollie Nadeau, Gracie Nadeau, Leo McAdam and Phoebe McAdam; as well as one brother, Grady John Bawkin of Waycross.
A Funeral Mass was held Saturday, June 20 at St. Joseph Catholic Church.
Burial was at Greenlawn Cemetery.
Sympathy may be expressed by signing the online registry at www.musicfuneralhome.c om. Music Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
“They say you can't take it with you, but I think that they're wrong ’cause all I know is I woke up this morning, and something big was gone. Gone into that dark ether where you're still young and hard and cold—just like when they built you, sister, they broke the mold.”
— Bruce Springsteen, 2007
