The season of life for Betty Jean McKinney began on June 14, 1941, in Albany, Georgia.  She was the seventh of nine children born to the late Albert Stephens, Sr. and Maggie Wright-Stehens.

She was educated in the Dougherty County School System, graduating from Monroe High School.  Throughout school, Betty was a considerate, attentive young lady with a yearning to be of service and help others.  She attended Albany Area Vocational Technical School where she completed the requirements for certification as a Direct Care Provider.

Betty was joined in holy matrimony to Frank McKinney, Sr. who preceded her in death.  Their union was blessed with seven wonderful children who were taught to be respectful and to love one another.  She was a devoted wife and mother who looked well to the ways of her household and was no stranger to hard work.  Over the years, she labored untiringly at ARC, Sowega Council on Aging, Nut Tree Pecan Company, and Piccadilly.  She was a valued employee who took pride in her work and always stayed the course to ensure that no task was ever left undone.

Often described as a strong but gentle woman, Betty was a joy to be around.  She had a servant's heart and felt most comfortable when helping others.  In her family, she was the "calm in the storm—the glue that held them together."  She believed deeply in unconditional love, enjoyed the time spent with family and friends, and took great pleasure in the simple pleasures of life.  Her presence will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of being a part of her life.

On April 6, 2022, Betty peacefully transitioned from this earthly life to eternal peace and rest.  In addition to her parents and beloved husband, she was preceded in death by six siblings,  Pearl Collins, Lorraine Hunt, Sonja Battle, Juanita Nelson, Albert Stephens, and Arthur Stephens.

Loving memories will forever be cherished by her children, Curtis (Patricia) McKinney, Frank McKinney, Jr., Evangelist Tawanda McKinney, Stefon McKinney, Likita Johnson, Gramaskie (TreJoundra) McKinney, and Elder Travis (Gabriella) McKinney; two siblings, Fannie Joe Miller and Mollie Martin; twelve grandchildren who loved her dearly, Tierra McKinney, Keundra Johnson, Kayotris Johnson, Kayentra Johnson, Michael Simpson, Montaz (Danielle) Jones, Mardesia McKinney, Grameski (Ademola) McKinney, O'Keefe McKinney, Kayla McKinney, Noah McKinney, and Hannah McKinney; thirteen great grandchildren, Ke'Kysia, Auyana, Demone, Acacia, Darius, Devon, Darien, Brian, Dylan, Cheyanne, Mylan, Jaqurris, and Jakari; and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.