Glenna Jean Freeman McKinney
Glenna Jean Freeman McKinney
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Glenna McKinney Obituary
Glenna Jean Freeman McKinney went to be with the Lord on July 4, 2023.
She was born to the late Thelma and Samuel Freeman on March 15, 1935 and grew up in the beautiful mountains of Avery County, North Carolina. She married James Dayton McKinney, whom she loved dearly and who preceded her in death in 1986. Glenna was also preceded in death by her brothers, Michael and Charles.
Glenna counted her family as her biggest blessing in life. Glenna and Jim had three children: James Samuel McKinney (deceased), Victoria McKinney Hamby (Rick), and John Derick McKinney (Diane). She was also blessed with nine grandchildren and fourteen great-grandchildren.
Glenna had a natural gift and great passion for teaching. She was beloved by her students and co-workers, many of whom continued to visit and call regularly after her retirement. She had been a devoted member of Derita Baptist church until her health prevented her attendance. Glenna loved her church and church family. She was also blessed by many wonderful friends and neighbors that offered care and support, making it possible for her to stay in her home until her passing.
She will be remembered for her sharp mind, even as she aged, and her independent spirit that helped her overcome many personal and health challenges. She was indeed, a very strong woman.
Glenna will be missed by many, including the Atlanta Braves who have lost their very biggest fan.
A remembrance service will be held Sunday, July 9, 2023 at Raymer-Kepner Funeral Home in Huntersville, NC. Visitation with the family will be held at 1:00 pm followed by the service at 2:00 pm.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to one of the following: Susan G. Komen Foundation, American Lung Association, or Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of Charlotte.
Condolences and memories of Glenna can be shared at www.KepnerFH.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
16901 Old Statesville Rd., Huntersville, NC 28078
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Recent Obituaries
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Wayne & Betty Buchanan
June 29, 2025
It's been almost two years since Glenna was taken home She is missed every day Our prayers are with the family
Wayne and Betty
June 29, 2024
It's hard to believe it's almost been an year since you let us. Glenna was a wonderful friend and is truly missed Prays for the family
Wayne and Betty Buchanan
July 7, 2023
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all Glenna was a wonderful friend She will be missed
Anne Robinette
July 6, 2023
I met Glenna in 1979. It was my third year of teaching. She immediately took me under her wing and very soon we became dear friends. She taught me that the two essential things a teacher must give her students are love and respect and with those everything will fall into place. That advice never failed me. She also taught me how to be a mother. Glenna was my dear, dear friend and one the kindest, most loving, decent, and definitely the strongest person I have ever known. I loved her dearly. I will miss sharing our thoughts and stories about our wonderful families, her laughter, and the love and affirmation she gave me unconditionally.
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Ted and Denise Beasley
July 6, 2023
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Jack and Frances Gooden
July 6, 2023
To Glenna's family, we send our prayers and thoughts to each of you during this time of loss and grief. She was a blessing to all who knew her.
The Goodens
Anne Robinette
July 6, 2023
I met Glenna 44 years ago. It was my third year of teaching and she became my mentor in not just teaching but life, and my dear friend. She took me under her wing immediately and we became fast friends. We planned our lessons together which made the work totally enjoyable. We laughed and talked about everything but most of all about our wonderful families. We shared a strong love of family.
When I became a mother she mentored me in that as well.
We sometimes went years without speaking but whenever we spoke or got together it was like no time had passed.
She taught me that the two most essential things a teacher must provide for her students are love and respect. With those two ingredients anything is possible. She gave me the same advice for being a mother.
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