“To my dear grandmother, thank you for being so kind, gentle and loving. You always made me feel calm and safe in this crazy world and for that I Will forever appreciate you. Save a spot for me up there my lady.”
Your loving granddaughter Tonya
In Loving Memory
Betty “Frances” McKinney
March 27, 1935 — August 24, 2026
A life of faith, courage, devotion, and enduring love.
Her Life
The Story of Frances
Betty “Frances” McKinney was born on March 27, 1935, in Birmingham, Alabama, to Carlton and Claudia Bryant. She was a sister to Frank Bryant.
Frances was the mother of Patricia Daniel, Barbara McGill, Herman McKinney, Claudia McKinney, and Dwayne McKinney. She died on August 24, 2026, at the age of 91, and rests in Chicago, Illinois.
- Born
- Birmingham, Alabama
- Parents
- Carlton and Claudia Bryant
- Sibling
- Frank Bryant
- Resting Place
- Chicago, Illinois
A Woman of Remarkable Strength
Betty overcame breast cancer twice—a testament to her remarkable strength and resilience.
Her Faith
Faith Was Something She Lived
“Her joy was made complete.”
Her joy was made complete when she came in contact with Jehovah’s Witnesses. She began a Bible study and later symbolized her dedication to Jehovah by water baptism on June 23, 1993, as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses.
Demonstrating her deep love for Jehovah, Jesus, and her neighbors, she followed Jesus’ command to preach the good news and make disciples. She was an avid reader, student, and teacher of the Bible.
She expressed her love for people through Bible studies, door-to-door ministry, and informal witnessing at every opportunity. She shared the good news of the Kingdom with all sorts of people, bringing them hope.
Affectionately known in the congregation as one of the “Golden Girls,” she will be deeply missed by her congregation, family, and friends. They look forward to seeing her in the new world, when Jesus awakens her from sleep.
Her Legacy
The Family She Loved
She meant the world to her family and left a profound impact on those who loved her.
Children
- Patricia Daniel
- Barbara McGill
- Herman McKinney
- Claudia McKinney
- Dwayne McKinney
Grandchildren
- Kevin
- Kristin
- Antwan
- Stacy
- Sharnell
- Tonya
- Tess
- Dakota
- Frances
- Ronald
- Jobez
- Dwayne Jr.
- Timothy
- Jeremy
- Jonathan
- Tia
- Ifemi
Memories
A Life Remembered
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Reflections
Remembering Frances
“God gave us the perfect mom. I am proud to lovingly be referred to as ‘your twin’ ”.
Claudia McKinney
“Heavenly Father, I thank you for the life of my beautiful grandma.
It's hard to believe that she's gone for now, but I'm grateful to have known her, loved her, and been loved by her.
She was adored by many.
And I'm honored to be a part of her.
She has always been one of the strongest people I've ever met.
She was so funny and adorable.
I believe that she carried those same traits and more with her, and you have wiped away every tear or worry she had when you received her.
I'm happy to know that she's happier and more peaceful than she's ever been.
Thank you again, Abba, Father, in Jesus' name, Amen...”
Fran Fairchild
“Rest well, my sweet angel”
Ceremonial Program
Order of Memorial Service
- 01
Chairman
Wesley Thompson - 02
Opening Song #139
“See Yourself When All Is New” - 03
Opening Prayer
David Small - 04
Obituary
Maurice Sisson - 05
Discourse
Raymond Horton - 06
Interview
Sadie Williams - 07
Closing Song #151
“He Will Call” - 08
Closing Prayer
Kenneth Brown
Chairman acknowledgements, closing remarks, and family instructions will follow.
Gather With Us
Memorial Service
Pre-Past
Saturday, September 5th
11:00 AM — 1:00 PM
Immanuel United Church of Christ
2200 Azalea Dr
Highland, IN 46322
Memorial
Saturday, September 5th
3:00 PM — 4:00 PM
Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses
South Park Congregation — West Bldg.
4700 Cottage Grove Ave
Dolton, IL 60419
Attend Online
Zoom Information
A direct meeting link has not yet been supplied.
In Loving Memory
Betty “Frances” McKinney
1935 — 2026
Her life was a blessing.
Her memory, a legacy.
Her faith, an enduring testimony.