Helen Verline Oliver McKinney

June 3, 2014

Helen Verline Oliver McKinne, of Birmingham, went home to be with the Lord Tuesday, June 3, 2014, at the age of 84.

She was a very devoted, loving wife and mother, native and long-term resident of Franklin County.  She was raised near Phil Campbell and resided in the Gravel Hill Community where she was a lifetime member of the Gravel Hill Baptist Church and assisted with the family farm.  Her unwavering Christian faith and sweet disposition provided a testimony to all that knew her.  She was an avid gardener, enjoyed growing and preserving fruits and vegetables, cooking, sewing, church, and family.  She moved to the Birmingham area in 2001 to be closer to her children.  She attended the First Baptist Church of Pelham until her health declined in 2010.  After a further decline in her health in 2013, she moved to Lakeview Estates Assisted Living.  The family would like to thank the staff at Lakeview and the Pelham First Baptist Family for their loving thoughts, care, and prayers.

Mrs. McKinney was predeceased by her husband of 63 years, James Wilburn “Wig” McKinney; her parents, Onie Dell Oliver and Susie Mae Lawler Oliver; brother, Clyde Oliver and wife, Velma.

Mrs. McKinney is survived by her daughter, Marilyn Gail McKinney Black and husband, Michael; son, Keith Dwight McKinney; nephew, Danny Oliver and wife, Carol; nieces, Janet Oliver McCullar and husband, Jerry, Debra Oliver Harris and husband, Steve; several great-nephews and nieces, cousins, and friends.

The visitation will be 5:30 – 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 5, 2014 at Spry Memorial Chapel in Russellville, and on Friday, June 6, 2014 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. at Gravel Hill Baptist Church in Phil Campbell, (Gravel Hill Community).  The funeral service will follow at 2:00 p.m.  The burial will be at Liberty Hill Cemetery, Phil Campbell.  Dr. Paul Moore will be officiating the Celebration service.

Memorials may be made to Pelham First Baptist Church or Gravel Hill Baptist Church.