Obituary
Guest Book
Anna Elaine Gouge McKinney, 61, of Marion, passed away Wednesday, February 11, 2026, at her residence.
Anna was born in McDowell County, NC on March 9, 1964, to the late Fulton H. Gouge and Selma J. Pack Gouge. She was married to her husband of 20 years, John McKinney. Anna was a member of Hicks Chapel Baptist Church. She loved children and enjoyed fishing. Anna was a talented artist who loved to paint and draw. She was always willing to help anyone in need to the best of her ability. She will always be loved and remembered.
In addition to her parents, Anna was preceded in death by a brother, Claude Gouge; a sister and brother-in-law, Rosa & Dennis Ellis; a niece and nephew-in-law, Kim & Tom Perkins; and her mother-in-law, Kaye Smith.
Those left to cherish her memory include her husband, John McKinney; a daughter, Jessica McKinney; a sister, Anita Dulaney & husband J.D.; a sister in law, Audrey Kirby Gouge; and a grandson, Gage Lovelace.
A funeral service will be conducted at 3:00 p.m., Monday, February 16, 2026, at the Chapel of Beam Funeral Service. Burial will follow at Murphy’s Chapel Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 2:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m., prior to the service, at the funeral home.
2170 Rutherford Rd, Marion, NC 28752

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read moreIf you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more