January 16, 1914-February 9, 2007
Vesta Barnhill McKoin was born in St. Louis January 16, 1914 to Odus taylor and Emmitt Barnhill. She graduated from Charles Sumner High School in 1934 and in 1935, wed Luther Pruitt. Through this marriage three children were born: Donald Tanner, Crystal Katherine and Judith Ann.
Vesta attended St. Ann’s Shrine Catholic Church for many years, but later joined Cote Brilliante Church.
Vesta worked in her home and raised her children with love. After her children got older, she worked in a wholesale grocery business as a bookkeeper. Before Vesta retired, she became president of the Committee for the Aviation Mural Project Success that raised the funds to complete the mural “Black Americans in Flight” mural in Lambert-St. Louis International Airport.
She leaves behind: her daughters: Crystal and Judith Pruitt (Donald preceded her in death); her grandchildren: Khym Rogers (Bill), Wendell Hill (Melyney), Christian Hill, Karen Hill, Kim King, Kelleye Schumacher and Daryl Fleary; her great-grandchildren: Chase, Mallory, Ryan, Sidney, Kyle, Kyva, Keith, Robyn, Dr. VC Payne, Jr. (nephew) and children, Melanie Harwood (niece), Richard Wendell, Elbert and Forrest Hackney (nephews); Gertrude Hackney (sister-in-law) and Joe Walker, Jr., Moneva McKoin (sister), Claudia, Charlene, Moneva Vesta and Pamela (her nieces).