Betty Joan Mckinney

Betty Joan McKinney, age 88, died peacefully, surrounded by her family, in Blue Ash, Ohio, on Wednesday, July 19, 2023. She was born on April 8, 1935, in Harlan, Kentucky, to her late parents, Everett and Eileen (nee LeWallen) Carlton. “Joan” as she was known by all who knew and loved her, was recognized for her “perfect” white hair, her elegance, and simple, yet classy dressing style, as well as her loving heart. Her quiet, strong, yet tender demeanor, lit up every room she walked into. The joy of her life was her family. Though she was soft-spoken, she was never shy to talk about her pride in her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Her trademark saying, “Love ya” perfectly describes how she addressed and thought of her immediate and extended family. She was Norwood High School’s homecoming queen in 1953. After graduation, she went on to marry her high school sweetheart and lifelong dance partner, the late, Willie Nelson McKinney, on the 4th of July, that same year. One year later, she had the first of her four children, Pam, followed by Debbie, Greg, and David. Joan often said some of her greatest memories included watching her sons play ball in Mt. Healthy and spending time with her daughters. She loved to dance and enjoyed traveling to music hotspots, Branson, Missouri and “Graceland” in Memphis, Tennessee, where music and Elvis was king. Professionally, she spent 35-years at McAlpin’s/Dillard’s, where she was a top-seller in the fragrance and cosmetic departments until she retired at the age of 80. Joan is survived by four children Pamela Messer, Deborah (Gregory) Finn, Gregory (Angelique) McKinney, and David (Julie) McKinney; Eleven grandchildren Michelle, Marc, Matthew, Dr. David, Eric, Stacy, Samantha, Arianna, Carson, Rachel, and David; five great grandchildren Jared, Juliana, Elijah, Ethan, and Olivia; four siblings Ron (Mona) Carlton, Joyce (the late Paul) Strickland, Wayne (Terri) Carlton, and Sherry (Sam) Frey. She also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, other family, and close friends. Family and friends may attend visitation at Webster Funeral Home, 3080 Homeward Way, in Fairfield, Ohio on Saturday, July 22, 2023 beginning at 10:00 a.m. with funeral services at 11:00 a.m. Burial to follow at Rest Haven Memorial Park Cemetery in Blue Ash, 10209 Plainfield Road, Cincinnati, Ohio 45241. Online condolences can be made at www.websterfuneralhomes.com. If desired, memorials may be directed to Hospice of Cincinnati.