Obituaries : Betty Kemp McKinney

Betty Kemp McKinney, a woman whose life was a testament of resilience and compassion, went to be with her Lord and Savior in her Heavenly home on June 12th, 2025, at the remarkable age of 99. At the time of her passing, Betty resided in Mars Hill, North Carolina, where she continued to touch other people's lives with her unwavering spirit and love.

Betty was born in Hampstead, Maryland, on March 2nd, 1926, the second youngest of six siblings. Growing up, she gave every penny she earned to her single mother, who was struggling through the Great Depression. This time was the beginning of her life of selflessness.

Betty dedicated her life to helping others, especially children in need. Her work with child social services was not just a job but a calling, a mission to make the world kinder. She also ran a babysitting service, worked in various restaurants, taught Sunday School, and led her church's choir. In 1973, Betty was one of the first graduates of Mayland Community College, receiving an associate degree in Child and Adolescent Development.

A foster parent herself, Betty's home was a sanctuary for those who needed it most. Her fierce love for children was unparalleled, and she had a special place in her heart for those who had been dealt a tough hand in life. With Betty, everyone was included, everyone felt worthy of her love, and no one was exempt from hearing her truth. She had a unique ability to love through honesty.

Betty adored her family. As the matriarch, she hosted many gatherings. She had an act for making each moment special with the little things she would do. Betty never passed up an opportunity to brag about her grandchildren and let them know how proud they made her feel.

She is preceded in death by her husband Zeyland McKinney, her mother Mamie Kemp, sister Helen Manger, brothers Robert Kemp, Oden Kemp and Kenneth Kemp.

Left to cherish her memory are her four daughters, Jan Cornell and husband, David of Vinton, IA; Carol Pfoutz and husband, Dan of Hanover, PA; Wanda Ray and husband, Alan of Asheville, NC, and Kim Greene and husband, Byron of Spruce Pine, NC, her sister Phyllis Burns, her grandchildren, Dave Cornell and wife Kelly, Andrew Cornell and wife Malinda, Daniel Cornell and wife Erin, Matthew Pfoutz and wife Andrea, Tim Pfoutz, Brian Jones, and wife Jeanie, Bryant Greene, and wife Kaitlin, Courtney Buchanan, and husband Thomas, and Cassidy Hollifield and husband Daniel; 17 great-grandchildren and 12 great-great-grandchildren.

The funeral service honoring the life of Betty McKinney will be on Wednesday, June 18, 2025 at 2:00 pm at Berry Chapel Baptist Church with Rev. Steve Williams officiating. Interment will be in the Burnett Cemetery. The family will meet and greet friends one hour prior to the service at Berry Chapel Baptist Church.

The family would like to extend a special 'Thank You' to the staff at Mars Hill Manor Assisted Living and Madison Health and Rehabilitation for their excellent care of Betty.