Prestige Memorial Funeral Home | Gadsden, AL

Obituary For Ms. Betty J. McKinney

Celebration of Life Services for Ms. Betty J. McKinney, 83, Attalla, will be held 1 pm on Saturday, September 30, 2017, at Mt. Calvary Baptist Church, Attalla. Rev. Jonathan Granger, eulogist. Interment will follow in Ridgeville Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 5-6p.m. on Friday, September 29, 2017 at the funeral home.

The life of Ms. Betty Jean McKinney

On Monday, September 3, in the year of our Lord Jesus 1934, the lives of the late Mr. James McKinney, Sr. and Mrs. Inez C. Green McKinney, who had come to Etowah County from Coosa County (James) and Calhoun County (Inez), were blessed with their second child and first daughter whom they named Betty Jean. Upon arriving in Attalla, the McKinney family united with the Mt. Calvary Baptist Church, under the leadership of the late Rev. E.D. Slaughter. Later, Betty confessed Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior and was baptized by the late Rev. J.J. McGhee.

Betty was educated in the segregated schools of Attalla having attended Norris High School before leaving to make life in Brooklyn, New York. While in New York, she was employed with an answering service where she received training in switchboard operation. The uniqueness of New York influenced Betty to embrace her love for fashion design. Designing her clothes, hats and accessories became and remained her hobby and favorite pastime. Additionally, Betty enjoyed spending time with her family, reading and writing, completing crossword puzzles, watching cartoons and eating ice cream and cake.

She returned to Attalla in the 70s, after the passing of her father. Betty then reunited with her home church, Mt. Calvary Baptist Church. She attended faithfully, under the leadership of Rev. Dr. W.H. Granger, until her health declined. At the time of her passing, she boasted nearly 80 years of membership. Though she was unable to attend regularly, for the past 7 years, she remained a member of Mt. Calvary, most recently under the pastorate of Rev. Jonathan Granger. Throughout the years, she served in various capacities to include: member of the Voices of Calvary Choir, the Adult Sunday School class, and the Missionary Society; she also participated on various programs/committees where asked.

She was preceded in death by her parents: Mr. and Mrs. James and Inez McKinney, Sr.; siblings: James McKinney, Jr., Barbara Ann McKinney Spidell, Michael J. McKinney and Donald McKinney; niece: Ms. Tonja McKinney Morgan and nephew: Mr. Shannon McKinney.

She leaves to cherish her memories two devoted brothers: Pastor William (Emma) McKinney, her caregiver, Attalla, AL, and Mr. George Frank (Helen) McKinney, Waltersboro, SC; One loving sister: Mrs. Doris McKinney McElveen, Tampa, FL; brother-in-law: Mr. Walter Spidell, Gadsden; Sister-in-law: Marilyn McKinney, Tampa. Nieces and Nephews: Marvin McElveen, Melody Francis, Barbara Faye McKinney Turner, Donald McKinney, Michael McKinney, Jr., Sedrick McKinney, Eric Peterson and Tyrone Peterson; special great nieces and nephews: Ana-Neisha (Kenneth) Williams, Naudia Turner, Donald R. (Faith) Morgan; special friends: Rev. and Mrs. W.H. Granger; Mrs. Flora Mae Waker, Mrs. Nancy G. Cunningham, Mrs. Yvonne G. Harris, Mrs. Mary Jo Wilson and Mrs. Christine K. James. Special cousins: Mrs. Bonnie Sue Mostiller and family; Rev. Andrew Jackson of Chicago, Illinois and Estelle Diamond, Piedmont, AL; and a host of other great nieces and nephews, cousins, and friends. Professional service entrusted to: Prestige Memorial Funeral Home 2412 Sansom Avenue Gadsden, Al. 35904 (256)438-5506 Prestige Memorial" Providing unto you a comforting ministry for the sake of precious memories."

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