Mrs. Betty Jean (Copeland) Mckinney

Mrs. Betty Jean Copeland McKinney of Kellyton, Alabama was born on December 26, 1935 to the late Mr. Louis Copeland and Mrs. Idell Powell.

Betty transitioned peacefully in the comfort of her home on Tuesday August 26, 2025 surrounded by loved ones. She was preceded in death by her daughter Cassaundra Thomas, her grandchild Vincent McKinney, parents: Louis Copeland & Idell Powell, her sister Julia Nickey and her niece Synita Houston.

Betty Copeland McKinney was a woman of impeccable character and an exceptional person who served as a role model for both children and adults.

Mrs. Betty received a B.S. degree from Florida A & M University in Tallahassee, FL and a master’s degree from Nova University in Fort Lauderdale, FL. She was an educator for 34 years with the West Palm Beach County School System in Florida.

Betty was a phenomenal woman and achieved a lot of great things throughout her life time. She was a proud Silver Star and life member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. She was initiated on July 12, 1978 through the Zeta Tau Omega Chapter in Palm Beach, Florida.

Mrs. McKinney was also a member of the Central Alabama Club of the National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women’s Club Inc. She was a great asset in helping to chair workshops in education and participating in all the CAC HEED Programs. She was an associate member of the Talladega, Clay, and Coosa County Tuskegee Alumni Association. Betty is one of the twelve founders of an organization, Las Novias Society Inc., that began in March 1959.

Since moving to Coosa County, she volunteered her services at the Salvation Army, the Funland Daycare Center, and was a mentor for many workers and parents. She served on the Quality Assurance Committee for the Coosa County Department of Human Resources.

She was united in Holy Matrimony to Mr. Joesph K. McKinney Jr. on May 23, 1969.

Mrs. Betty Jean served as a faithful member of The New Home Missionary Baptist Church in the Hissop Community. Her work never went unnoticed. She was secretary of the New Home Missionary Baptist Church Mass Choir, a former teacher for the Red Circle, and a member of the Women’s Missionary Society of the church. She loved church, her church family, and Sunday School.

Her precious memories will be cherished by her husband Mr. Joesph K. McKinney Jr.; Children: Joesph K. McKinney III (Callie), Althea J. Mack (Kenneth), & Terence L. McKinney (Victoria); Grandchildren: Ivan M. Mack, Joseph B. McKinney, Terence L. McKinney Jr., & Melanie K. Short; Great grandchildren: Laila Stenson, Jazmine McKinney, Ava Stenson, Julian McKinney, & Jaycub McKinney; A sister-in-law Arthelma McKinney VanDyke; Special nieces and nephew: Letitia Dawkins, Debora Lamons, & Gary Ruffin. A host of other nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.

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