Scarlett Daelynn McKinley

Scarlett Daelynn McKinley, age 14, of Amarillo, died suddenly on March 8, 2026, in Amarillo. Born on August 16, 2011, in Amarillo, Texas, to Nathan McKinley and Jessica James, Scarlett was a bright, independent, and beautiful young lady whose favorite color was blue. Though she carried a quiet demeanor, she possessed a determined spirit that made her a force to be reckoned with.

Her warm, genuine smile could light up any room, and her long, beautiful eyelashes framed her bright eyes in a way that left a lasting impression on everyone she met. A talented wrestler for West Plains, Scarlett proudly captained her team and looked forward with excitement to competing in high school and achieving new goals. Children were naturally drawn to her gentle nature, and she adored them in return, dreaming of a future career in pediatrics where she could care for and help young patients.

Scarlett was preceded in death by her two grandmothers, LaDonna James and Kay Harrell, and her cousin Elliston James. She 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.