Cleaster Wilson-McKinzie was born on April 1, 1933 to Robert and Alberta Wilson in Bolivar County, MS.  She was the seventh (7th) child in a family of eight(8).  She was baptized at an early age at Poplar Grove Missionary Baptist Church in Linn, MS under the leadership of Pastor Howard.  She remained a loyal member until she relocated to Chicago, IL in February 1973.  From this union three (3) daughters were born.

Early in her life, Cleaster was a housekeeper/cook.  She further pursued an interest in sales.  While living in Chicago, she worked at Wiebolt, Inc as a chef until retirement.  Cleaster returned to her native Mississippi roots in 2021.

Cleaster was preceded in death by her parents; Robert and Alberta Wilson, two (2) brothers; Cornelius Wilson of Linn, MS and Leroy Wilson of Chicago, IL; two (2) sisters, Sadie Miller of Los Angeles, CA and Frankie Davis of Boyle, MS; a daughter, Dorothy McKinzie-Graham; two grandchildren, Ayesha Y. Judkins and Jonas Graham of Chicago.

Survivors include her daughters: Katie McKinzie of Jackson, MS and Debbie McKinzie of Hammond, IN.  She also leaves two (2) grandchildren, Avia L. McKinzie of Aurora, IL and Jason Graham of Kenosha, WI; two (2) grandchildren, Aviance and Andersen and a host of nieces, nephews, distant relatives and friends.