Beverly J. McKinney

Beverly J. McKinney, 82, of Anna, passed peacefully on Aug. 10, 2016, at her daughter’s home in Decatur.

She was born on March 10, 1934, in Anna, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Everett and Connie Burgeois Randall of Cobden. She has one sister, Linda M. Knauer of Cobden.

She married Donald L. McKinney of Herrin on June 9, 1956.

She was a long-time member of the First Presbyterian Church in Cobden, and belonged to the Delta Kappa Gamma Society for many years.

She was a high school graduate from Cobden in 1952. She went to college in St. Charles, Mo., at the University of Lindenwood where she graduated with a degree in vocal music and music education in May 1956, and immediately began her career teaching instrumental band.

She spent the next 37 years teaching band in Dongola (two years) and at the Anna Junior High School Anna, grades 5-8, until she retired from there in 1992. She had many interests and hobbies. Music was innate to her. She sang beautifully for others on many occasions and played piano throughout her life. She also enjoyed marching band with her students every year during her career.

She was also an experienced seamstress. She especially enjoyed working at her sewing machines, either making or mending clothes, or creating and decorating with her embroidery machine. She also enjoyed quilting. She made and created many a baby blanket. Her handiwork is well known.

She was an avid reader and loved to travel. One of her most memorable trips was to Greece and Egypt. She and Donald toured Athens, Cairo and the Valley of the Kings.

She is survived by her daughter Miriam (Mim) McKinney Winder, (Eric) of Decatur; son Brian R. McKinney (Debbie) of Jerseyville; sister Linda M. Knauer of Cobden; grandchildren Carmyn R. Streich of Decatur, Brianna Ruppert (Aaron) of Hillsboro, Brittany McKinney of Nashville, Tenn.; great-grandchildren Mila, Kivett and Nora Ruppert; and five step-grandchildren, Curtis Winder (Stephanie), Donald Winder (Stacy), Lyndee Winder (Kevin Bell), Natasha Winder and Eric Wayne Winder (Ellie); and six step-grandchildren; two nephews, Thomas and Steven Bailey of Cobden, and their children; nieces Kay Picolet, Julie Bates and Linda Rittmanic of Iowa; cousin Sharon Burgeois of St. Louis; and very close family friends and church family.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Donald L. McKinney; her father and mother, Everett and Connie Randall; and other grandparents, aunts, uncles and family members.

Funeral services were at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 13, at Crain Funeral Home Anna-Jonesboro, with LaRue Parr officiating. Interment was in the Cobden City Cemetery.

Memorials can be made to American Diabetes Association or to the donor’s choice.

To view the full obituary or to leave an online condolence for the family, visit www.crainsonline.com.

Crain Funeral Home Anna-Jonesboro was in charge of arrangements.